How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

[Wayne M.]

[Pistons removed from block]. I've tried rubbing with rags dipped in solvents (Varsol, laquer thinner), without success. I suspect these aluminum pop-up piston heads will have to be submerged in solvent for at least a day. I've read you must not wire brush. What's the best solvent to soften the deposits ? Choke and carb cleaner ? Enamel paint remover ? Suggestions welcomed.

[Joe C.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

I always use a steel bristle wire wheel on my bench grinder. If you're cautious, then use a brass bristle wire wheel.

[George W.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

I have had great results with soaking the piston in carb cleaner. The one I used was made by Gunk and came in a 1 gallon can with a metal basket too hold small parts. It did not take long, about 15 min per piston. This cleaner is not like the carb cleaners that are in aerosol cans.

George

[Edward J.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

Wayne GM use to make top engine cleaner (T.E..C.) in the can (liquid form) ,and spray foam also, let it sit there for a few hrs. and wipe with steel wool. I hope GM still makes it. Joe L. would know.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

I did this one time, take a 5 gallon bucket fill with fresh motor oil let them soak a day or two and it will just slide right off. Dont know why but it did the trick for me.

[Domenic T.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

Wayne,
I clean about everything with carb cleaner first and found that some are better than others. I buy 5 gallons at a time and had to return brand X because it would not even remove paint. If you are doing a rebuild you will save time and find that you will need the 5 gallon bucket. I have found that Berrymans carb cleaner works best here in CA, especially if the rods are still on the pistons. The wire wheel (soft) has been one way to clean piston tops for years. I use other methods but 95% of the pistons are off the rods when I clean them.
A pressure washer does a great job of removing crud after a good soak in carb cleaner.

DOM

[Richard M.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

Ditto's on the 1 gal. can of Berryman's Carb cleaner.

[Timothy B.]

Re: How do I remove carbon deposits from top of pistons ?

Just recently I saw the Berryman's at Walmart for 18/gal.