Cleaning Pistons

[4g63telantra]

I just removed my old pistons and swapping them into my new block, just wanted to know, what is the best way to clean the pistons?

 

[dave99gst]

while there out of the motor ? id prob use break cleaner.

 

[92awddsm]

I have found that they come clean very easily when soaked in carb cleaner. I found that most local auto suppliers carry 1gal cans of cleaner so you can drop in a piston and let it soak for 5 minutes or so. After you take it out, rinse it with warm water thoroughly and repeat as necasarry. Blow them dry completely afterwards and make sure you oil the wrist pin well before reinstalling.

 

[1gdsmraider]

ive actually used a wire wheel brush, it just took all the build up off and then i rubbed it down with some brake cleaner and gasoline

 

[zachakagoat]

ive actually used a wire wheel brush, it just took all the build up off and then i rubbed it down with some brake cleaner and gasoline

Personally I wouldnt EVER use a wire wheel on pistons WTF I wouldnt want to risk puttin any scratchs on the walls or anything that might be apt to cause a leak. Carb cleaner for me

 

[Burnett03]

water injection...

 

[BlandAnalogy]

unleaded fuel. not only does it kill ALL germs that carb cleaners dont, it will literally eat the paint off em if there is any. it's simply the best engine cleaner out there. only the everyday aftermarket engine builder would know this.

 

[heavyD]

unleaded fuel. not only does it kill ALL germs that carb cleaners dont, it will literally eat the paint off em if there is any. it's simply the best engine cleaner out there. only the everyday aftermarket engine builder would know this.

Brake cleaner works better than gasoline.

 

[zachakagoat]

water injection...

I'm so green with evny...

 

[spiritturbo]

Alot of folk consider wire wheels to be a bit much, indeed. You could theoretically score the surface of your piston, thus creating a "hotpoint" inside your cylinder and increasing the possibility of preignition.

Don your gloves and breathing mask, soak them pistons in parts cleaner or carb cleaner, scrub them with a stiff plastic bristle brush. Repeat as necessary or desired. When finished, wipe down with a LINT FREE RAG, rinse in warm water, wipe down again, blow them down with a hair dryer or some such device, make sure there is no foreign matter about them then happy installing.

 

[BlandAnalogy]

Brake cleaner works better than gasoline.

i find that hard to believe considering that it didnt take off the numbers written on the piston rods which were numbering cylinders. i guess i'll have to post my portfolio of my engines that i've built, bah.. anyways wd40 works really good too. does any1 know what it stands for? like gas it'll eat up all that shtuff.

 

[Lilni]

what about kerosene

 

[BlandAnalogy]

oo thats good too.. we could make homeade diesel!

 

[FireyIce01]

i find that hard to believe considering that it didnt take off the numbers written on the piston rods which were numbering cylinders. i guess i'll have to post my portfolio of my engines that i've built, bah.. anyways wd40 works really good too. does any1 know what it stands for? like gas it'll eat up all that shtuff.

Brake cleaner has a high acetone content. Cleans very well, also why it evaporates so quickly. Auto Trans fluid works very well too (high in detergent) WD40 stand for Water Displacement Formula #40. Diesel and Gasoline work fine though. Carb Cleaner is another good option, getting the carb dip can with basket isn't a bad idea, but that schitt will get you stupid high in a hurry if you don't open it in a VERY well ventilated area.

There's dozens of good ways to get them clean... just depends on what kind of resources you have.