Cleaning carbon from pistons and valves

[maldotcom2]

As per the title, is it best to use a chemical cleaner of some sort, or mechanically using a wire wheel on a die grinder.

 

[trucko]

ive always used a wire brush with a bit of degreaser, or the wire wheel should be fine..

 

[maldotcom2]

Ok sweet as. Obviously i'd have to be careful to avoid the valve seats. Just wasn't sure whether i would be damaging any coatings or if the tiny scratches would cause issues.

 

[Exidor]

Read this.
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/vz-holden-commodore-2004-2006/113673-diy-carbon-clean.html

 

[vk.jonno]

there is this can u can buy to put thru ur engine and it cleans it all out

 

[Jesterarts]

Subaru Upper Engine Cleaner.

It's like 19 bux a can from and Subaru Dealer Workshop.

Spray in, let it sit, start the car and rev it out!

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I'd also run some injector cleaner through the tank too.

Good luck.

 

[maldotcom2]

Thanks guys, but the engine's apart for a rebuild, not after a run-through cleaner. Can i apply this spray directly to carbon deposits to dissolve it?

 

[Jesterarts]

I would assume so. If it works to clean carbon in an un-opened engine then if should work magic if you can actually get at the carbon and wipe it away once it's dissolved.

 

[danja]

Surely carby cleaner would do the job?

 

[Sharronholloran]

I have used brake cleaner. I put some in a pan and set the pistons face down in it and let them soak for a bit.