How to clean pistons?

[Finnigan]

Just elbow grease and some all purpose cleaner? Can I sand the junk off or even use a wire bristle dremel attachment?

 

[VonYinzer]

Wire brush and some simple green. If that doesn't get it, use a soft metal wire wheel on a drill/die grinder with cleaner.

 

[Nebr_Rex]

Try a soak in pine sol.

 

[iContango]

Why use a wire brush on pistons? Seems a little risky. Soak them in Seafoam overnight.

 

[teazer]

On the crowns, a big old rotating wire brush is fine. If you need to do that on the skirt, they are probably past their use by date

 

[VonYinzer]

Yeah... They're pistons, not fine crystal.

 

[ktriple]

soda blasting works great

 

[iContango]

Good to know - Ill just use a small wire brush on mine too then. ;D

 

[teazer]

Just remember - we're talking about getting carbon of the top surface (crown). If there's a lot of black stuff on the sides (skirts) you need to go a little more gently

 

[iContango]

Just remember - we're talking about getting carbon of the top surface (crown). If there's a lot of black stuff on the sides (skirts) you need to go a little more gently

Yep I know what you mean. I notice there are some vertical scratches on the sides of the pistons - that is normal right?

 

[crazypj]

Nope, not normal.
Normal wear will have the entire skirt a dull gray, scratches are generally bad news
Post some pics
BTW, I have a NOS 360 piston (only one though you may need two)
Also have several low mileage 360 piston/rings I won't be using as I've converted all my 360's to 2mm overbore (378cc)

 

[Finnigan]

I'm interested in the rings and a spare piton clip if you have it