Cleaning carbon off of pistons

[Stormwalker]

Just wondering what you guys recommend to clean the carbon off the tops of pistons would be. I was going to use a fine wire cup on the end of a power drill, with the piston near/at TDC, but if this will scratch it or be detrimental in any way, then I do not want to do that. I do not have an air compressor available unfortunately. I also have to deal with a head bolt that broke off in the block, and will try to simply drill it out, and retap the hole if need be. Luckily it is one of the front ones, and easy to get at. Once I have these 2 things done, I sit back and wait for my heads, which should be assembled soon. Thanks for any input.

 

[2dr_sedan]

Brake Cleaner, Throttle Body Cleaner, Brass Wire Brush (soft bristles)

 

[jaymac]

subscribed

 

[giddyup306]

You can also use a block of wood to get all the heavy stuff off and then use a cleaner like brakekleen as mentioned above. If there is any wood particles left behind from the wood (and I'm not talking about huge chunks just sawdust type size) it will simply flashburn upon the first ignition. It is recomended that you clean it afterwards though.

 

[jaymac]

block of wood?
Could you elaborate please?

 

[giddyup306]

Just use it to scrape off all the carbon like you would use a gasket scraper on a block (or whatever). That way it will prevent scoring or knicks.

 

[vikingpower]

how did you break one of the head bolts?

 

[jaymac]

on the smooth part or the rough (cut) part?

 

[giddyup306]

Whatever works best for you.

 

[mo_dingo]

wire brush attached to an electric drill. Works great. The find wire brush is too soft, and the coarse is too rough, somewhere in the middle works best. But if you go easy on coarse, it should work.
Scott

 

[hllon4whls]

I'd try an easyout for the bolt or cut a notch in it and try to tap out the head bolt with a punch not to drill and retap.

I have used a soft wire brush on a drill and a shop vac with no ill effects.

 

[Stormwalker]

I might try the block of wood. I already have the wire brush, and from the replies, it sounds like that would be okay to use as well. If I use brake cleaner, should I put a little bit of oil in the cylinder? I thought brake cleaner removes all oil from a surface. As far as the head bolt goes, I am not sure I want to try an ezout. I have a set, but I can totally see myself breaking it off in there and making even more of a mess for myself. But maybe I will try it, depends on what I feel like tomorrow.

 

[giddyup306]

Oh I didn't realize that the pistons are still in the engine. Yes it would be a good idea to put a THIN film of oil on the cylinder walls after you get done cleaning the pistons.