The block is still in the car, what's the best way to go about it without it getting into the crank case? I am thinking sea foam might work and that wouldn't hurt the car apposed to other stuff or even acetone. S2000junky I've been reading highspots are known to be culprits of pre ignition just wanna make sure I don't have to open her up again anytime soon and leaving her running smooth.

 

if it were me, i'd just leave it alone

 

I understand that, I'm just implying, you might as well grind off all the oem stamping on the top of the piston as well. In other words, its a non issue in this case. Your scratch is so small. But it wont hurt to take some 1000G and rub it out a little if it makes you feel better. Id be more worried about getting foreign metal/dust finding its way in places you don't want and scratching up your cylinder walls. Risk vs reward.

 

I see your point s2000junky, I will def clean the piston carbon buildup and I see the point about the engraving and etchings from
factory and how the scratch is smaller, makes sense. As to cleaning it would it make sense to tape it up and use solvent and scotch bright or what would be the best scrapper? Would the sand paper be too much to use as a cleaning tool?

 

I haven't made any habitat out of cleaning tops of pistons so use your discretion, but if it were me I would not use sand paper, but rely on solvent to do the main job. A stiff plastic bristle brush would seem best to use to scrub the loose stuff, then be sure and hand cycle the engine to expose cylinder walls and wipe them down to clean up any crap that may find its way and then change the oil to rid of solvent contamination. That's how I would approach it.

 

Mineral spirits or acetone are best for removing carbon, and some steel wool. But I wouldn't bother cleaning the piston domes unless the pistons were out. If you must clean then get that LC20 stuff, that snake oil actually works. It softens the carbon and actually turns it into a lubricant.

 

Steel wool makes me nervous. Unlike a plastic bristle brush, that will tear apart and leave metal particles in the cylinders. Its one thing if the pistons re out of the block. But makes me nervous still being installed. Hofully any solution used will do 90% of the work for you - let it sit overnight if needed) and the brush is just to finish the job.

 

Hey everyone, so I got an update it took me a while since work, the girlfriend and the dog haha anyway it's not as bad as I felt it but what do you guys think ? I'm not done with the cleaning of the pistons as you will see but thought I would get some insight on he scratch and possible fixes if it even matters. Also what do you think of these valves?

 

 

Now you have to remove the pistons and clean the cylinders with hot soapy water, until the rag you're using comes out clean.