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A good observation about the scoring, hadn't thought of that. I do have it off. So cleaning the valve face would ok?
If I understand correctly, I need to watch out for:
1) Rotating the valves
2) Double checking all carbon debris is removed from the valve seat area so it doesn't get jammed in there and cause a leaky valve
I would just clean them as you did the pistons just being more careful NOT to nick the head and cause a hot spot. Unless you put a "suction cup, valve turning tool" (for lapping valves), you won't be spinning those valves even if you wanted to, the springs would be keeping them tight...
Now, if you find one combustion chamber leaked out dry over night, some more investigation is due as a valve / valve seat is leaking.
Looking at the valve stems inside the head (runners) reveals a bunch as well. If you see more carbon build up on one valve STEM than the others, you likely have a leaky valve seal allowing oil in there and to accumulate to the valve (very hard on performance). Your engine looks super clean inside for the mileage, I have to doubt you'll find any issues, but your there already...:thumbup:
I had that happen on my KLR 250 (single, 4 valves, ONE exhaust valve gunked up). It didn't have much power to start with but a bridge I traveled over to to get to work NOW needed down shifting and WOT where before, leave it in top gear and accelerate..