I've lost my head...

HoofnIt · Jun 23, 2004

...well both of them to be exact. I have removed both cylinder heads and exposed 8 carbon-coated pistons. Should I try to clean some of the carbon off of the pistons before installing my new heads? I know carbon build-up can contribute to detonation, so cleaning them up would be a good thing. Did you guys clean yours and if so, what did you use. THX

5.0_GT_kid · Jun 23, 2004

Doesn't GM Top Engine cleaner and/or Seafoam clean carbon outta there?

wytstang · Jun 23, 2004

When I owned my 72' Duster and rebuilt the engine I clead the carbon off the pistons by using liquid carb cleaner I let them saok for a little than wire brushed them clean worked just fine.

HoofnIt · Jun 23, 2004

Cleaning them off shouldn't hurt anything, should it? I just hate to put brand new AFR heads over those nasty looking pistons.

wytstang · Jun 23, 2004

It will not hurt you at all it will only help you performance wise. If I was about to put new heads on my car there is no way I would leave my pistons covered in carbon crap.

Joes95GT · Jun 23, 2004

The only bad thing about top-end cleaner is that it smokes like a mofo.

I'd be really careful taking any kind of harsh abrasive to a cast piston. I wouldn't like scraping **** off of the pistons unless I had a vacuum right behind me...

Joe

HoofnIt · Jun 23, 2004

Well, right or wrong, I did manage to get the majority of the carbon build-up off. It took a lot of effort and I did use a shop vac. I also made sure that each piston was at TDC; after it was clean, I rotated the crank and cleaned the walls again. I repeated this process twice. Now, since the cylinders are wiped free of oil, would it be a good idea to coat the walls with a little motor oil before slapping the heads on?

GTJake · Jun 23, 2004

Yea, put a little oil on the walls before you put the heads on.

Jake

I've lost my head...

HoofnIt

5.0_GT_kid

wytstang

Mustang Master

HoofnIt

wytstang

Mustang Master

Joes95GT

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HoofnIt

GTJake

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