i pulled my shortblock apart today to find it doesnt REALLY NEED pistons, although i may a set..

i was thinking about using a stiff bristle brush (like a toothbrush?) to clean the ring grooves, skirts and tops..

what should i use as a cleaner?..

thanks guys

 

I used a fine wire brush on a bench grinder to clean the carbon. After most of the heavy stuff was gone I used brake cleaner.

 

did the wire brush scratch the pistons?

id be worried about that

 

it was a very fine wire brush, I wouldn't go at it with a brush with thick, stiff wires. It didn't scratch them at all and I applied a lot of pressure.

 

i use wire brush on bench grinder too, works great. i'd be very careful about using a ring groove cleaner because they'll remove metal along with the carbon build up. to clean grooves i use a old ring broken in several pieces as a screaper.

 

thats what i was most concered about...

the top ring in one of my pistons is kinda sledged up in the groove..

i want to get the ring grooves clean, 100 bucks for LT1 rings...sheeeit they better seal good

how can u tell if the rings are good?...i mean when i popped my pistons out none of them were cracked or burnt..

the cylinder walls were shiny and could still barely see the cross hatch pattern..

 

I used Berryman carb cleaner and a toothbrush worked really well just dont get the Berrymans on your hands. Safe enough for carbs aluminum safe enough for pistons to. A soft brass wire wheel works well too but may leave brass filings behind so rinse them off very well.

 

i would defiantely not re-use rings. Just get new ones and give the block a quick hone.

 

I agree with Tom. DONOT reuse the rings while you have it apart check the bore for taper. If the taper is only within a few thousands hone it and use new rings. www.enginekits.com should have what you need at a good price and good quality hasting rings