Pix added: Best way to clean up valve seats & a couple other questions

[James Rogers]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I pulled the head on my coupe and there was a moderate amount of carbon, the worst on pistons #3 & #4 (see photos). When I removed the valves a couple of the seats were black, especially #5. What it is the best way to prepare them for grinding and seating new valves?

Also, looking at the photos, what do they tell you about what the engine was doing to create these conditions?

BTW, there was one Ford script valve, one marked EX, and one marked R.

I will comment here because I see some problems not addressed yet. If you can wipe the up and down marks with a shop wrag it is oil. The #3 and #4 cylinders are burning a little oil. That is why the carbon was more there. I also see a score ring on 3 and 4. This is caused by water seeping into the cylinders and causing a ring of rust that is wiped off when the car is started. I see this most always in older motors and think it is the beginning of scoring that causes scratches that will make it burn oil.
Some close up pictures of the cylinders would be extremely helpful.