Dave_McC 0 Posted June 20, 2007 I've searched but can't find an answer to this. I've stripped down the engine, and the pistons have a fair bit of crud on the crown and in the ring grooves which needs cleaning up. I've used the end of a broken piston ring to clean out the ring grooves, but what should I use to clean up the crown and (to a lesser extent) the skirt? Is a brass wire brush in a drill going to be too harsh? Also, once I've taken the cams and followers out of the head, so all the valves are shut, I was going to clean up the combustion chambers likewise - again what should I use for this - will do this with valves still in place to protect the valve seats, though as the engine's done 120k miles I'll get the guides checked and seats recut anyway I think. Cheers Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RossD 44 Posted June 21, 2007 (edited) I've searched but can't find an answer to this. I've stripped down the engine, and the pistons have a fair bit of crud on the crown and in the ring grooves which needs cleaning up. I've used the end of a broken piston ring to clean out the ring grooves, but what should I use to clean up the crown and (to a lesser extent) the skirt? Is a brass wire brush in a drill going to be too harsh? Also, once I've taken the cams and followers out of the head, so all the valves are shut, I was going to clean up the combustion chambers likewise - again what should I use for this - will do this with valves still in place to protect the valve seats, though as the engine's done 120k miles I'll get the guides checked and seats recut anyway I think. Cheers Dave A small brass wire brush is ideal, I used a Suede shoe brush as it has thousands of bristles. A bit of rubbing and some parrafin lifted the majority of the carbon; the remainder I polished off with a cloth and some Cif (bathroom cleaner). It bought them up like new! Also I wouldn't worry about damaging the valve seats, they are in order of magnitudes harder than the aluminium head! Remove the valves and do a proper job. The alternative is to take it to your local machine shop who will put it in their washer for a few pounds and for no effort at all it will come out all spangly Edited June 21, 2007 by RossD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petert 586 Posted June 21, 2007 I don't use anything mechanical on pistons. I soak them in this stuff for a few hours, agitating regularly. They come out looking brand new. Note the amount of alkaline, 36g/L. Find something similar. Don't leave them in over night however! The same with the followers, etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave_McC 0 Posted June 21, 2007 Cheers guys - might see if I can get hold of some heavy duty degreaser. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
