How to clean pistons?
 

I'm rebuilding an engine and the pistons have lots of carbon build up on them, how can I clean them without damaging them? I'm searching google right now with no luck...

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

Toothbrush and carb cleaner... or do you want them to look brand new?

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

I don't really care about looking brand new, that works for me.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

wire brush

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

I found this stuff called "Piston Kleen" that the military uses (I guess?). I'm thinking about ordering some and trying it out. 16 bucks a gallon though :(

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

purple power


soak over night


high pressure wash

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

Acetonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeee

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

Where the pistons rings sit is the most important part to clean, I usually use chunks of the old rings and the edges of them and scrape them out. Loosen all the carbon, then I douche with super clean, rinse.. Then I gentley hit them on the wirewheel and then blow them off.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

SeaFoam works good and like others said hit em softly on the wire wheel.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

I just cleaned the top of them, they're still in the engine. I used a flathead to scrape the big chunks of carbon off, and cleaning ---- to get it off. They are pretty shiney now.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

I soak them in automatic transmission fluid then use pieces of the old rings to scrape the lands...

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

You should get some seafoam and lpour some in each cylinder and let it sit overnight. It helps break up all build up in the ringlands.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

ass wipe not the ------ flat head screw driver dude ur going to ---- it up if u havent already...carb cleaner is safe if u dont wanna remove them from the block

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

leave the carbon deposits on the tops (HMT compression raise)

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

die rayray

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

just pick up a new set of pistons from EC automotive. a brand new set for me only cost $160 for my car, probably around the same for yours. and another $10 per piston to change the rods over. and theyll get you oversized pistons or whatever your engine needs along with new rings and such. then again, doing that is basically a rebuild anyways. seafoam FTMFW

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

That's pretty much how I do mine, just have to make sure it's a soft wire wheel and you don't gouge anything.

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

O0 damn nig nogs

Re: How to clean pistons?
 

lol good trick!