what is the best thing to use to clean up the carbon build up on the piston heads and the head itself
May 12, 2006 at 2:46 AM
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1994 GMC S-10 Carbon Buildup
GMC
SYNCRAIT
- ✓Experienced Mechanic
- 235 POSTS
For us to be able to assist you, it is absolutely necessary for you to include the make, model, year and mileage of your car and tranny.
With modern fuels and automotive computer systems there is very little carbon build up unless you have 200K plus on the engine. NOT a good idea to remove it.
If you must, have a professional fuel injector cleaning and that will remove all that is needed.
With modern fuels and automotive computer systems there is very little carbon build up unless you have 200K plus on the engine. NOT a good idea to remove it.
If you must, have a professional fuel injector cleaning and that will remove all that is needed.
May 12, 2006 at 6:13 AM
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its a 1994 S-10 139k and so far i just have been using brake cleaner and a clean towel and have gotten enough off to satisfy, is doing this going to screw up the compression or something horrible?
May 12, 2006 at 6:54 AM
Anytime you add something to the engine combustion thats no supposed to be there causes O2 sensor problems. Good luck
May 12, 2006 at 7:25 AM
i havent added anything i have the head off the engine and im removing the carbon.... or are you talking a bout the remnants it may leave behind
May 12, 2006 at 7:47 AM
I think he means any brake cleaner that might be left behind. Including the fumes.
May 12, 2006 at 8:12 AM
Sorry, I misunderstood. The rule of thumb is to dry clean and scrape carbon for the piston tops. You don't want any liquid that may dissolve carbon and let it get on your compression rings and cylinder walls. If you have--try and clean the cylinders with a clean soft cloth.
Cleaning heads you can use anything that works as long as it is clean when you are ready to assemble the engine. In machine shops they remove the valves and vat boil the head.
If the head is aluminum, be very careful not to scratch the machined surface or use sand paper as you might damage the block contact surface.
Are you doing a valve job or just replacing a head gasket?? Good luck
Cleaning heads you can use anything that works as long as it is clean when you are ready to assemble the engine. In machine shops they remove the valves and vat boil the head.
If the head is aluminum, be very careful not to scratch the machined surface or use sand paper as you might damage the block contact surface.
Are you doing a valve job or just replacing a head gasket?? Good luck
May 12, 2006 at 10:03 AM
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not sure whats your suggestion.... im getting the head machined....do i need to take the valves out for him to do so....yes it is an alunimum head.
May 12, 2006 at 10:08 AM
Not unless you feel you have a valve problem. They can surface the head without touching the valves. You are doing the right thing getting the head machined. They often warp especially if you had a head gasket issue
May 12, 2006 at 10:31 AM
well i do have a question.... on one of the valves there seems to be excessive buildup if i have them clean that one up am i just better off getting them all done, or am i just looking for trouble trying to take it all apart.....
May 12, 2006 at 10:33 AM
You can let them do a valve job. That will replece your valve guide seals which are prone to go bad after an over heating event. It's a good time to do it so the head will be worry free. Ask them to also check for cracks.
May 12, 2006 at 11:12 AM
Suggested Repair
Dry-scrape carbon from the piston tops and wipe the cylinders with a clean soft cloth; do not use liquids that could reach the rings or walls. Clean the aluminum head carefully without scratching the mating surface, then have it machined. A valve job, including new valve-guide seals and a crack check, is worthwhile if one valve has heavy buildup or the engine overheated.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 1994 GMC S-10 with 139,000 miles had the aluminum head off and was cleaning carbon from the pistons and head, initially using brake cleaner. Experts advised against leaving cleaner residue, recommending dry scraping of piston tops and careful cleaning of the cylinders. They said the head can be surfaced without removing the valves, but a valve job with new guide seals and a crack inspection is a good option after overheating or heavy valve buildup.
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