I've lost my head...

[HoofnIt]

...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]

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

 

[wytstang]

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]

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

 

[wytstang]

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]

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]

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]

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

Jake