Cleaning Pistons

[Hooty]

What's the best method for cleaning Wiseco Evinrude Xflow pistons before re-ringing and installing.<br /><br />TIA & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Solittle]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

I would saturate with the decarb spray a time or two and let sit for a couple of days. You could use a hard wood or plastic scraper to clean the major carbon chunks off if you have any. I have also used a brass wire brush carefully (so as not to dig into the metal - I had a real small one on a wheel that I used in my power drill). Use a broken ring to carefully clean the crud from the groves in the piston.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

Thanks for the advice SoLittle. I think I will try the spray stuff first. There's not a lot of carbon, just varnish and gunk.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

Best way I've found is to go on down to the Chevron station and fetch you a bottle of Techron. Pour it in a pan and set the piston in it over nite. Stuff will remove all carbon. Just don't get any on ya or you'll be birthing three headed children. Stuff will also remove that green stuff in the bottom of carb bowls that the cleaners won't touch.

 

[clanton]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

Gunk carb cleaner, under 20.00 for gal can at the discount auto parts houses.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

I've used a soft Scothbrite cleaning pad or a SOS pad with success.<br /><br />Don't forget to clean the ring groove. The best here is a ring groove cleaning tool, but you can use a small pick or screwdriver if you're extremely careful.

 

[BillP]

Re: Cleaning Pistons

Check to see if the decarbonizer you use will work cold. It really makes a difference and may not work without heat. I've tried OMC Tuner cold and got zero results...the can said to warm the engine first but I tried it cold anyway.<br /><br />Another way to clean parts is to cook them in a crock pot with antifreeze. Put on low heat and use full strengh. Cook overnight and use tootpicks and old toothbrushes to help remove the tough stuff. I have done this for several years on all types of aluminum parts and it works better than any cleaner I've tried...especially where there is blackened carbon that looks like paint. It will not hurt the parts and must be heated to work. Try this and you will never go back to soaking and scrubbing in harsh chemicals, unless time is an issue. <br /><br />This has to be done outside of living quarters because the fumes are bad for your health.