Have some heads going on my z28 this weekend, wondering if i should clean the carbon off the pistons while i have the heads off..

car has 107k miles

Clean them or not to clean them?

 

I would definately clean them....I assume they will be real dirty!!
Here is how mine looked with only 10,000 miles...




And here they are cleaned up!

 

What did you use to clean them vsocks?

 

I left the old lifters & trays in until after the cleaning, plus stuffed rags in the lifter trays. I did each cylinder one at a time at TDC. I used denatured alchohol with non metallic scotchbrite pads and scrubbed my butt off. It will take you 4-6 hours to do it right....don't get discouraged...take a break and come back at it! After you are done....do it again and wipe each cylinder with a clean rag as you rotate the engine to remove any loose debris. When all is clean take a rag with fresh oil and wipe down cylinder walls.

 

Wow, about two threads down we just answered the same question...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...f-pistons.html

 

no he asked what to clean with, i just want to know how many people rec cleaning them while havin the heads off.

 

I can't imagine being in there and not cleaning up the carbon deposits. I would highly reccomend you clean everything really well. Also, make absolutley certain that you clean out the bolt holes really well. Get EVERYTHING out of them, it takes a while, but if you don't, you are buying a new block real soon. Are you going with the ARP bolts or a new set of stockers? We used stock bolts, but I will tell you that getting the final torque angles is not terribly fun.
Remember too that that carbon build up can cause hot spots and pre-ignition...

 

stock gm bolts.

bump

 

i would def. recommend arp head bolts bro, so much nicer and easier!

 

I agree with teh stockers. Unless you plan to pull heads a few times, the cost of the ARP's is prohibitive. Just take your time and ensure you get the bolts tightened correctly...