Cleaning carbon buildup ?

Ferris Bueller

New Member
Feb 4, 2003
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I have a PI-headswapped 1998 GT with 80,000 miles on it with a persistent pinging problem. Pinging occurs above 4000 RPMs and while under a load in higher gears (below 2000 RPMs). Pinging only occurs when engine is at operating temperature.

I have already cleaned the MAF sensor, replaced the fuel filter, replaced the spark plugs, and replaced the upstream O2 sensors. The problem isn't as severe as before, but its still pinging enough to bother me.

My question is: Would carbon buildup cause pinging when the cylinder is hot? And if so, what is the best way to clean carbon buildup without taking off the heads?

I frequently drive in traffic and rarely get to rev the engine up and I'm guessing the combination of low RPMs, high compression ratio, and 93 octane fuel mightbe leaving carbon deposits.