JoeMack

iTrader: (18)

I have some time before my cam arrives. Should I clean the top of these pistons? If so, what should I use? Thanks

thunderdan74

iTrader: (1)

unless you're going to pull them out, I'd leave them alone. You don't want to knock that stuff off the top of the piston and get it worked into the rings.

PREDATOR-Z

I dissagree,
You can clean that with brake cleaner and some petrol. Will be almost like new

Just bring your pistons to TDC on number 1, you'll be able to do #6 as well, rotote clockwise to 90*, clean other 2 at TDC, 90* more and so on.
Once you have done 360*, you are back at TDC 1 and all your pistons are clean.

Do not use any blade or sharp object as they will scrape the piston. Just be patient and lots of elbow grease.

Just make sure you change your oil before you fire it up.

MIKE_84

i would use some B12 instead of brake cleaner

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

What is B12?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Berryman B12. It is some good stuff for cleaning. I think that they make a bucket it off it that is also a parts cleaner with a tray and everything.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Where can you get it, I have never heard of it? How would you use it on the pistons, with a rag?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

It comes in a bottle with a cap as well. It doesnt come in spray form. Auto Zone Orielly's and Sears.

indyboom

iTrader: (11)

In all honesty they dont look bad. if you deside to clean them i would use B-12 as noted in above. Sometimes its best to leave alone if it doesnt need it..

91z28-350

Which B-12? There's a ton of them. Just the parts cleaner? I'd think you can use the air intake cleaner or the carb/choke cleaner as well. Both are aerosols. They are available everywhere.

jophis37

iTrader: (1)

nah let the carbon build up, maybe it'll increase your compression ratio and give you an extra 5 hp. lol.

They don't look so bad. but if you're are one of those guys that will always wonder if he should have then go for it.

JoeMack

iTrader: (18)

How about some cleaner (B12, carb etc.) and a scotch brite pad? I used a scotch brite on the engine to clean off the old head gasket material. Worked pretty good.

SLP4CamaroSS

iTrader: (16)

go to walmart

DROPTOPLS1

iTrader: (28)

I used a scoth brite pad and some wd40 and they came out looking like new.

Rescue Ranger

iTrader: (10)

lol that just sounds scary

Studytime

iTrader: (15)

Maybe it's an omen because your engine is now going to fail, and you're going to have to put new pistons in it! Just kidding. Glad you got them looking fresh.

Ben T.

Doc

iTrader: (9)

Just finished h/c/intake today. Used scotchbrite and isopropal alcohol with the "PredatorZ" TDC method. Use clean lint free rags to clean up and stuff into those lifter holes.

Ryan02SS

iTrader: (3)

I cleaned mine while everything was apart. You might as well while it's open and you'll sleep better at night knowing your domes are spotless!

Doc, Looks good my friend! I always used masking tape to tape over the lifter area to ensure nothing drops into the engine. Coat the bores with a slight coat of oil allows the crap to stick to the cylinder walls when the piston is on the downstroke and you can get it all out.

lowchevy2go

iTrader: (4)

i was wondering he same thing but i scraped a little off and a few of the shavings went between the piston and the cylinder wall....is that going to cause a problem??

Doc

iTrader: (9)

If you bring the piston you are working on up to the top and only use a scotch brite and alcohol and are concious about what you are doing- stay away from jaming things out to the edges, I don't see how you can go wrong. As with any of this, if you are pulling the heads off your car and have no patience, no extra time, then you are headed for disaster at some point.