Honda GC160 Stuck valve

[lee-j]

Thanks for reading this. I've never been on a forum so I hope I don't screw up. I have a friend with this GC160 on a pressure washer. The intake valve is stuck. Looking thru the spark plug holes it appears to simply be majorily gummed up. I have never worked on the OHV engines. I wish it was an old L Head and this would be a snap. Anyway I have some questions before I take it apart and have a huge mess.
1. The manual shows to use a liquid packing. Is this what is used for gaskets or does it still use regular gaskets?
2. Where can I get the special combustion chamber cleaning brush? Special order by a dealer or somewhere else maybe?
3. Is there a special piston ring compressor or do you use a traditional type or your fingers?
4. Will the cam puller stay? I assume so.
5. The manual makes no mention, that I've seen, about getting the cam/timing belt on correctly for proper timing?
6. Is this a do it your self project or not? I've repaired engines for years but not this type.
7. Thanks for your time. I assume many of these questions will answer them themselves once taken apart. I just don't want to ruin it.
Thanks,

[nevadawalrus]

The GC engine series is a particularly tough one due to not having a removable head. Start out by spraying solvent or carb cleaner on the valve stem and alternating with using a hand held hair dryer to heat the stem up. Sometimes you can get the varnish cleaned up enough to get it running without breaking into the block.

Next, make sure the old gas is discarded for some fresh stuff. Running the engine with old fuel is what caused the varnish build up.

The GC uses a case bond silicone sealent for the valve cover and block halves, no gasket is used at those locations. You can get case bond at most automotive stores, motorcycle shops or jet skii shop. Automotive store brands like Pep Boys will be less expensive then using a brand name like Honda Bond.

If you need to break into the block you will need to re-time the cam belt, if you have to go that route let us know when you get to it.