Carbon removal?

[isaaccarlson]

How does everyone remove carbon deposits from piston/cylinder? This is the worst one I’ve ever worked on? Normally it just scrapes off, but this stuff is ON there! I got the loose stuff, but wow this stuff is hard. I am going to have a discussion with the owner about mixing gas and tuning. I think he’s running straight oil!
Are there any solvents that eat carbon but not aluminum?

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I scrape it out with a small flathead screwdriver. Make sure it's blunt because sharp edges will scuff the chit out of the aluminum. I'll also use a low profile short bristle wire brush.

 

[Mkinslow]

I've done what Chainsaw Jim has done many times, but if I have time I'll let it soak in diesel fuel a day or two then it'll usually wash out with a shot of degreaser and a hose. If it doesn't wash out it'll be a lot easier to scrape out. Goodluck

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[redline4]

Working at a GM dealership, I deal with all sorts of carbon issues. That also gets me a supply of extra GM top engine cleaner. It works fairly well for loosening it up.
Not sure if I have any before and after pics of valves I have used it on. Have to check.

 

[CR888]

I use 3M roloc discs (scotch bridge style) for piston crowns, you just want the carbon removed. Small sanding drums/cones for exhaust port on flex shaft.

 

[GCJenks204]

I can’t be the first one to say Red Armor 32:1 can I?

 

[Terry Syd]

I remember a few times when I wanted to clean the carbon out of some expansion chambers. I blew oxy/acetylene into them to get them hot, then shut off the acetylene and just let the oxygen do it's work. Do something like that outside, there is a lot of smoke.

Maybe something, like a butane torch, will cook the hard carbon to a brown ash so it flakes off easily.

 

[AlfA01]

Sanding drums on the dremel.

 

[drf256]

Look up OMC (Evinrude/Johnson) engine tuner/cleaner. I’ve got some, but haven’t tried it yet.

Apparently a 24 hour soak in it will make the carbon as soft as putty.

50/50 simple green branded purple power at 160* takes it nearly all off after a day. Makes it easy to scrape with a popsicle stick. That’s why I haven’t used the OMC.

 

[Stevetheboatguy]

Look up OMC (Evinrude/Johnson) engine tuner/cleaner. I’ve got some, but haven’t tried it yet.

Apparently a 24 hour soak in it will make the carbon as soft as putty.

50/50 simple green branded purple power at 160* takes it nearly all off after a day. Makes it easy to scrape with a popsicle stick. That’s why I haven’t used the OMC.

The OMC/ BRP stuff works pretty well. Definitely doesn't take long to get the job done Mercury and Yamaha both have equal equivalent products. They all work fast.

And if you really want to keep things clean. Run some BRP carbon guard or Yamaha ring free in your mix. You won't ever see any build up again.

Steven

 

[PA Dan]

I run it through the ultrasonic for a couple cycles and that takes a lot out. Then I throw a piece of tape inside and bead blast it out. Makes quick work of that carbon!

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I remember a few times when I wanted to clean the carbon out of some expansion chambers. I blew oxy/acetylene into them to get them hot, then shut off the acetylene and just let the oxygen do it's work. Do something like that outside, there is a lot of smoke.

Maybe something, like a butane torch, will cook the hard carbon to a brown ash so it flakes off easily.

Pipes are a beeotch. I found a pretty decent way by dumping the entire contents of a 1 gallon can of 5mm nuts and bolts into the header with some purple cleaner.

 

[Stevetheboatguy]

Pipes are a beeotch. I found a pretty decent way by dumping the entire contents of a 1 gallon can of 5mm nuts and bolts into the header with some purple cleaner.

We always took the pipes from our sleds off and had the machine shop dunk them in their hot tank. Always came out looking new. To bad thats a no no for aluminum. But worked sweet for the pipes.

Steven

 

[Wolverine]

 

[PA Dan]

View attachment 146208

Nice use of an Xacto knife buddy! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Wolverine]

Nice use of an Xacto knife buddy! Thanks for the tip!

When ya hide your split mandrel and have to get creative!

 

[Basher]

If you do a lot of carbon removal on aluminum parts, I use this stuff, works really fast.
The brand we get locally is called TAL Strip but this stuff works as well,