How black are used piston suppose to be, and is carbon deposits normal? Thanks.

 

yes its normal and yes you should clean it off

 

How would i clean it off? Can i just spray something into the head? Or do i have to take the whole head off and pull the piston out? Thanks

 

how can you see your pistons if your head isn't off in the first place?

 

I pulled out the spark plugs and i shined a small but very bright flashlight in the hole, and i could see two pistons that are black. The other two i can't see because they are down further. So does anyone else know about this?

 

they are going to be somewhat black, not like coated in chunky black though. And, judging by your post maybe you shouldn't be playing around with your engine until you learn alittle more, no offense, I just don't want your next post to be:
"Filled cylinders with simple green, now car dosn't run"

 

Lmao!!! sorry that was a good one though

 

Hey now, I'm not that stupid. Although a similar idea crossed my mind. Anyhow, only reason this concerned me was because it doesn't look chunky, but a little grainy. I just want to make sure i didn't get a blown up engine. Thanks for all the info! And I am reading alot and learning alot from here.

 

I would be more concerned that the cylinders looked consistent, has in they all had similar amounts of carbon deposit. For example: If one cylinder was much cleaner than the others it could possibly be running lean, but I think you're better off using the spark plugs for a quick check on how everythings running. Look to see if the plug tips have ashy deposits or excessive carbon buildup or a worn look. This is just something you can check when changing plugs or regapping, but if you seriously suspect engine troubles, or that your motor is blown, you should get a compression and leak down test.
There is nothing you can really clean inside the engine unless you are going to take it apart; just change your fuel filter, oil, air filter, and check your ignition system. Just that will help it run clean if it's an older engine, I don't know much about the gas tank additives that are supposed to clean your engine, but maybe someone will enlighten us.

p.s. Thanks for having a good sense of humor about the simple green thing

 

Thanks again. And i could help laffin myself .

 

It's possible to clean your pistons with ATF w/out removing the head. It's an old trick rotary guys use that works just as well in our motors.

http://crx.honda-perf.org/faq/data/5.html

 

Oh the irony!

 

blargh.

i meant using ATF to clean the pistons. The rotary guys also use ATF.

blargh.


[Modified by Jesse H, 4:33 PM 11/13/2002]

 

I have a trick for cleaning carbon deposits off your pistons and the botom of the valves (and maybe a little of the exhaust port) .........now don't do this if you doubt it or aren't patient.....

With the engine running and up to opperating temp and holding the throttle at about 2500 rpm, SLOWLY pour distilled water into your intake through a vaccume port on you manifold. The water will enter your combustion chamber and vaporise from the immemce heat, the steam acts like a steam cleaner to break up the carbon deposits. Don't pour so much that it boggs your motor down, it should only drop the idle maybe 200rpm. If you do it long enough (about 5 mins, maybe a pint of water) it should clean your combustion chamber pretty well, and remember to let the car run for a while after doing it to help clear out any carbon flakes and chunks. it's totaly safe to do if you are carefull.....no dumpin water in......

OH yea....DO NOT DO THIS ON A TURBO CAR.....if the steam hit's the hot exhaust impeller it can shatter......which is bad

(remember: a small amount at a time, but a small stream is better than starting and stopping)

The only downside to this is it might block up your cat a little with the carbon....but most of it will work it's way through after a few good long drives