jasoncoker

Yeah, that is why it should be dull and only used for the thick stuff. I had no big problem with scratching, but I was not pushing hard. It definitely saves some time.

pikey7

Nylon scouring pad. Or someone actually recommended using a credit card to me once! I can think of better uses...

Mike S

Tom, Carb cleaner and some brass brushes worked great for me. The brass was tough enough to take it off without scarring up the cylinder walls.

shane rizzo

Take a rag lay it on top of the piston and fill up the holes with brake fluid. It will brake up and remove all the carbon. It will slowely leak past the rings to be sure you drain the oil pan. This will even free up some carbon on the rings as well. Good luck.

jns

Tom,
I know your head is off. I was just stating that I heard using ATF to clean off carbon has worked for others. If your head is on, put it through the spark plug hole. If your head is off, put it on top of your piston. The high detergent content in ATF is said to work well. Hope it works for you.

Tom M'Guinn

Thanks for all your suggestions. They are clean enough to eat off now. I did it mostly with Simple Green, Scotch Brite and a plastic toothpaste cap. Wish I had a better picture. They are a sight to see.... I bet there were 2 or 3 cc's on top of the No. 3 pistons, give or take...