QuickSilver2002

Ok,

I'm in the middle of a cam and heads swap and figured I would try to clean the carbon off the piston tops.

A few questions.

Is it worth my time?

What is the best technique?

Is there a concern about grit getting left behine on the cyl walls.

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Brake cleaner worked for me and a green scotchbrite pad.

If you get grit b/w the piston/cylinder wall take a cloth with some grease on it and wipe up the grit with the greasy cloth, it'll pick up that stuff for you.

1999_SS_M6

I use the GM Top Engine cleaner spray. That stuff goes through carbon like nothing I've used before. As stated above, just apply a little to the piston top, let stand for a few seconds to loosen, then remove with a good bit of scrubbing with a green scotch brite pad. Again though, DO make sure to rotate the motor over, bottoming out the pistons in their bores, then wipe the cylinders clean of any residue, or grit. It will take a few revolutions, and a few minutes. Then get a good skim-coat of oil back on those cylinder liners, rotate a few times, and voila. It will look like new when you're finished.

QuickSilver2002

Thanks for the replies, It seems to be working and I'll post some before and after pics when I'm done.

BergerMan

Spray Gumout works great too. Cheaper than engine top cleaner and works about the same.