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...

 

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

 

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

 

wire brush

 

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

 

purple power


soak over night


high pressure wash

 

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.

 

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.