Removing Carbon

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Tazza

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Dec 7, 2004
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Does anyone know what chemicals are available that will dissolve carbon?
I recently repaired an engine that had a fair amount of carbon build up in the ring grooves on the pistons. I managed to remove it all by using old rings and grinding them to a thistle point and scraping the carbon out. Doing it this way took me hours and was not pleasant. But it did save me about $100 per piston. I tried "carby cleaner" but i was later told this will remove light residue but not the hard crusty stuff (is i found out). I have used wire brushes on mower engine heads, but i have been told that is a big no no for pistons. The ring grooves are very delicate and you must never brush the sides.
My dad used to use cold acid at work for removing carbon on cast iron engine parts, but this acid quickly eats aluminum.
Any special chemicals out there? well, ones that the normal person can get hold of.
 

Luthor

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Nov 15, 2005
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Tazza, there is a special tool for scraping piston ring grooves. I have one at work.
 

Stephend

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Jan 16, 2007
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Tazza, there is a special tool for scraping piston ring grooves. I have one at work.
You might try a product called Blue Gold. It is used in the aviation industry and will not harm alumium. It is handled by Southern Distribution, 800-366-8109 or e-mail [email protected] Mix at 25% solution water water and heat to about 135 degrees F. Needs to soaked for at least an hour or longer
 
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Tazza

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You might try a product called Blue Gold. It is used in the aviation industry and will not harm alumium. It is handled by Southern Distribution, 800-366-8109 or e-mail [email protected] Mix at 25% solution water water and heat to about 135 degrees F. Needs to soaked for at least an hour or longer
I will have a look around for it, i actually live in Australia so i will have to look locally. Thanks for the information.
Luthor, hopefully i won't need to do it again but good to know there is actually a device made for the job.
 
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Tazza

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I will have a look around for it, i actually live in Australia so i will have to look locally. Thanks for the information.
Luthor, hopefully i won't need to do it again but good to know there is actually a device made for the job.
The only reference to blue gold i can find over here is a diesel additive...
I'll keep looking around.
 
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