Cleaning pistons still in the block. What do you use?
08-31-2010, 12:58 PM
#1
Cleaning pistons still in the block. What do you use? What do you recommend for cleaning the carbon off the pistons still in the block? What cleaner and how you do it. Figured I'd get some oil down the cylinders, get the pistons at the top, then clean them. Thanx
08-31-2010, 03:02 PM
#5
carb cleaner worked better than brake clean for me when i cleaned up my heads since it doesnt evaporate so fast. you could always just mist water in the intake tract every so often to keep the carbon buildup to a minimum, or leaky headgaskets work great, or maybe shell nitrogen enriched gasoline 
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08-31-2010, 10:34 PM
#9
I use carb cleaner from the local parts store, I tried the CRC Brake Clean and it didn't work all that well. The carb clean and a rag were all I needed to make the pistons shine. I didn't worry about the side of the piston down to the top compression ring.
After I was done I coated the cylinders lightly with motor oil.
After I was done I coated the cylinders lightly with motor oil.
09-01-2010, 12:40 PM
#10
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I don't use anything metallic... When I decarbonized the bike I bottomed 2 of the cylinders and fill it with yamaha parts cleaner mixed with fuel. then the other 2 got soaked with penetrating lube. Drew out the cleaner from the 2 cylinders, switched to the other 2 and let them soak.
I was able to wipe off the fouling with a paper towel. Used a scotch brite to remove any tough spots and brake cleaner to get out the last of the junk.
I was able to wipe off the fouling with a paper towel. Used a scotch brite to remove any tough spots and brake cleaner to get out the last of the junk.
09-01-2010, 05:14 PM
#14
Carbon on the piston tops isn't necessarily a bad thing... Baked on carbon functions like a "free" heat barrier coating. However if there are large uneven deposits it'll cause hot spots which can cause pre ignition. A local well known builder has sworn off of heat barrier coatings and now just glass beads piston tops to help the carbon form an even "coating."
