Best Way To Clean Up Pistons ??

[klze]

Hello,

what would be the best way to clean dirty pistons, lets say i have the engine apart and pistons are looking good and reusable, i just want to make them look new again before assembly??


thanks guys!

 

[5810]

whats wrong with them now.

 

[klze]

whats wrong with them now.

just used and dirty and black from burning carbon build up...
I remember reading there is some acid poeple buy at home depot i think and soak them in the acid.

anyone knows??

 

[SUPERJET-113]

I always take a old ring and bend it so that you can use it to get the ring grooves all clean again.

 

[klze]

I always take a old ring and bend it so that you can use it to get the ring grooves all clean again.

yes, I also do the same with ring grooves!
they work great cause the old ring fits perfect in the groove...


thanks!

 

[klze]

no one knows?
:bump:

 

[#ZERO]

You can use a can of carb cleaner or dip them in a can of carb parts cleaner and they'll look like brand new.

 

[Waternut]

I believe you're thinking of muriatic acid that people use to clean the salt deposits out of the water jackets. Not that carb cleaner is much healthier but it's certainly more readily available and will work well at cleaning carbon build up...or paint.

 

[SUPERTUNE]

Use a sandblast machine, but DON"T use sand!, use medium glass beads and MAKE SURE you turn down the regulator to 45-50 lbs, hold spray nozzle about 4-5 inches away from piston. Tape off the ring lands too, no need to if your rings are still free.

 

[Cannibal]

If you don't have the media blasting available, I've used a Scotch Brite pad (probably 5"x7" and dark red) with some biodiesel. Find some 100% biodiesel and it is not carcinogenic (no petroleum mixed in) and you can handle it with your bare hands without worry, plus a gallon is like $3-4. You can soak your pistons in it then use the Scotch Brite pad.

 

[klze]

I believe you're thinking of muriatic acid that people use to clean the salt deposits out of the water jackets. Not that carb cleaner is much healthier but it's certainly more readily available and will work well at cleaning carbon build up...or paint.

yes, muriatic acid is what i was talking about!
will see if i can find some near by, otherwise carb cleaner it is!
i do have sand blaster that i can use, but think soaking is easier...