Valve Seat Reconditioning

Inspect valve stem-to-guide clearance (see VALVE STEM-TO-GUIDE CLEARANCE INSPECTION ), If the valve guides are worn, replace them (see VALVE GUIDE REPLACEMENT ) before cutting the valve seats.
Renew the valve seats in the cylinder head using a valve seat cutter.

Fig 1: Identifying Valve Stem-To-Guide Clearance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Carefully cut a 45° seat, removing only enough material to ensure a smooth and concentric seat.
Bevel the upper edge of the seat with a 30° cutter and the lower edge of the seat with a 60° cutter. Check the width of the seat and adjust accordingly.
Make one more very light pass with the 45° cutter to remove any possible burrs caused by the other cutters.
Valve Seat Width Intake:

Standard (New): 0.85-1.15 mm (0.033-0.045 in.)

Service Limit: 1.60 mm (0.063 in.)

Exhaust:

Standard (New): 1.25-1.55 mm (0.049-0.061 in.)

Service Limit: 2.00 mm (0.079 in.)

Fig 2: Identifying Valve Seat Width Intake
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
After resurfacing the seat, inspect for even valve seating. Apply Prussian Blue compound (A) to the valve face. Insert the valve in its original location in the head, then lift it and snap it closed against the seat several times.

Fig 3: Applying Prussian Blue Compound To Valve Face
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
The actual valve seating surface (B), as shown by the blue compound, should be centered on the seat.
- If it is too high (closer to the valve stem), you must make a second cut with the 60° cutter to move it down, then one more cut with the 45° cutter to restore seat width.
- If it is too low (closer to the valve edge), you must make a second cut with the 30° cutter to move it up, then one more cut with the 45° cutter to restore seat width.
NOTE: The final cut should always be made with the 45° cutter.
Insert the intake and exhaust valves in the head, and measure valve stem installed height (A).
Intake Valve Stem Installed Height

Standard (New): 53.00-53.80 mm (2.087-2.118 in.)

Service Limit: 54.14 mm (2.131 in.)

Exhaust Valve Stem Installed Height

Standard (New): 52.91-53.71 mm (2.083-2.115 in.)

Service Limit: 54.05 mm (2.128 in.)

Fig 4: Identifying Intake Valve Stem Installed Height
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If valve stem installed height is over the service limit, replace the valve and recheck. If it is still over the service limit, replace the cylinder head; the valve seat in the head is too deep.