Piston Chamber Cleaning and Piston Cleanup ?

[baddassbaron]

After sitting all winter with no heads on, piston chambers have rough deposits (almost like rust) on some of them. What is best method to clean without scratching surface. What can be used. Also, prior to placing the new heads on, using same old pistons (allready installed) what can be used to clean up top of piston? Is it even worth doing?

[Moneypitt]

bab are you talking about the combustion chambers in the heads?Or the cylinders themselves? You said new heads so I guess you're addressing the block. Light rust will be removed by the rings very quickly as you cycle the motor over. Heavier deposits will require some 240-320 grit lightly scuffed to remove the rust. Either way some light oil spray will help, and any residue should be blown out or wiped down as you go. If you're saying HEAVY rust, stop. Clean enough to get the pistons out without breaking them and take it to a shop for some honing....... A SOFT type rotary wire brush on a drill will clean the tops of the pistons.......................Moneypitt

[RENEGADE 3#]

The best thing to do is to take it to the machine shop and see what they say. i say if your lucky you can get away with a hone job. but rust in the cylinders is a very bad thing dont be surprised if you have to bore them out 10 thousands. and trash the old pistons. my advise dont leave the heads off uncoverd. GOOD LUCK.... ;)

[baddassbaron]

FYI.. Cleaned 99.9 % of rust out along with carbon at very top of chamber with dishwasher type of sponge and bristles on one side. Only thing left is discolored chambers, plus a little ' wear ' from rings. Is a little ring wear somewhat normal (as long as not to goujed) ?

[GofastRacer]

If it's clean no gouges, run it and take a compression check first before laying out cash for nothing!.

[FlatRat]

corrosian-x breaks rust down,wipes clean