How to clean top of pistons

ok, carb cleaner and bondo scraper not working. That stuff is on there real good and I want it off!!!!!!!! Well, sounds like time for a good stupid question.... Is it worth my time to scrape it all off now or should I wait till the head is on and do the water thing or somethin like that. Is it worth worryin about at all?????
If so, I need help, lol
Matt
 
The hard maple is generally good. It can be "scorched" with a flame to harden the timber a little more, too. Or...

If you can get spray on oven cleaners with "ethanolamine" they will work. Don't leave it more than four hours before washing/scraping off, though. A couple of applications may well be required. I didn't suggest this first as it would not be my first thing to try. For that matter methylene chloride based paint strippers ought to shift the gunk.

Adam.
 
Oven cleaner will work, but at least try a $2 can of brake cleaner. It evaporate for heavan's sake. You hardly have anything to lose. The stuff is strong and no real residue.

As far as my original post about steel wool. I rebuilt (semi) a two cylinder Honda motorcycle about 11,000 miles ago. I used a soft steel brush in my drill and it took off the debris perfect and left a look as if I polished the piston heads. It has run perfect for 11,000 miles now.

Try it if the brake cleaner doesn't work. Honestly, I wouldn't tell you to try it if I hadn't myself with success.
 
thats kool grasta, I will. I just went out and got the carb cleaner to try first off, it didnt work so yours is the next try. Will go today and get it and try it out.
Matt
 
You sure are working hard to avoid a little work.

Head is already off. Drop the pan and pull the pistons.

Or

GM makes a product called "Top Cylinder Cleaner". Go see Mr. Goodwrench and buy a can. Use that to clean the top of the pistons.
 
In order to drop the pan and pull the pistons I wouldnt I have to raise the motor a little? I think thats what I read, but see, Im workin in a little garage with barely enough room for me and the car in there at the same time plus there is another vehicle next to me. I will try the brake stuff then if not, Ill check out the chevy dealer??? for top cylinder cleaner.
Matt
 
I have pulled the pan on my 66 Mustang, and it is not hard. Jack stands are a must. There is a cross member (1 big bolt on each side) in the way that can be challenging to remove. If the frame is not aligned when you but it together, it will need some persuasion. There is a tendency for the bottom frame rails on the car to move out a little when the cross member is removed. All in all, it is not a difficult task. If you pulled the head where it sits, you can pull the pan. You may need help, but that is easily solved.

If I can do it, you can too.

BTW - the "Top Cylinder Cleaner" comes in a metal pint? jar and an aerosol can. The jar has more in it. I would guess that all the big three auto makers have a product similar. If you are allergic to the Chevy place, try Chrysler or Ford.
 
nahhh, Im not allergic, I was just wondering if I had to go to a dealer to get it. Besides, the chevy dealer around here is also a Ford dealer, lol, started with ford and then brought Chevy along for the ride. Anyways, Ill try it out.
Matt
 
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