Generation IV Internal Engine - **cleaning pistons**

Whats the best product to use to clean up my pistons and my deck when i do my head swap.

I've heard people talk about using sea foam, and others using an aluminum friendly rubber grinder.

what are you guys using to get the carbon build up off on the pistons?

I've always used Scotch Brite and parts cleaner, but rinse hell out of 'em when you're done, you don't want any of the ScotchBrite abrasive stuff in your engine.

I've always used Scotch Brite and parts cleaner, but rinse hell out of 'em when you're done, you don't want any of the ScotchBrite abrasive stuff in your engine.

Thanks man,,,

I use gasket remover spray can from Oreilly's. It's like an acid. I spray it on the carbon let it sit for 5 mins and then wipe it off with a rag. Your pistons will look like new. This stuff is aluminum friendly as it is used to dissolve the gasket material left behind from your head gaskets.

^ I believe I'm gonna have to give this stuff a try, sounds a lot easier than scrubbing on 'em for hours.

+ 1 but watch ur hands n eye's. That stuff burns !

I use lacquer thiner and scotch brite scrub lightly you can clean all 8 pistons in an half an hour.

Easy Off oven cleaners works too.

We used to use that to remove air dried enamel pinstripes from cars, does't hurt paint surfaces either.

get u a can of brake cleaner and a rag it will come rite off in no time

Why do you guys even clean the pistons? You do realize you're causing more harm than good, right? Leave well enough alone. A little carbon is normal/fine and will just re-develop again anyways. Besides, the scotch brite dust shit will annhilate your rings/walls/lifter bores.

they call it "coming to power" when it builds up a tad of carbon.

I don't like some of the responses in this thread. Don't use oven cleaner... breaks down the metal. Scotch Brite has abrasives in them that will/could score your walls later.

Best and safest product to use is good ole GM Top Engine Cleaner. Pour out a can in a little container and soak your pistons in it. Will clean them like crazy! It's petroleum based so totally safe.

Go read the MSDS sheets for over cleaner, it does not break down the metal. Read the ingredients, heck you don't even need to wear gloves.

Active ingredient in oven cleaner is Sodium Hydroxide.


Sodium Hydroxide: solutions dissolve aluminum readily.

A full table for Aluminum which is what pistons are made of:http://www.usmotors.com/Products/ProFacts/tableof.htm

Save the oven cleaner for the oven! Use a product GM designed for just this in an internal combustion engine. No scrubbing, just let them sit!

Oh and deck of the block (Aluminum) use the leftover in the bowl/container. Soak rags in it and lay on the block surfaces. Come back later and just wipe off.

Oven cleaner is great for iron stuff, but it does damage aluminum. Seen it too many times on intake manifolds, etc.

I usually just use a bamboo chopstick that is filed down to an edge. The carbon comes right off and then it can be finish cleaned. Not sure where you are located, but where I am the cylinders need to be oiled almost nightly due to the damp salty air while the motor is open to the air.