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.
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.
