cleaning pistons

[Kyle]

I got alot of carbon buildup in the tiny groves above my compression rings and they dont wanna come out. Is there something i can soak em in to get it all off? Theres some carbon on the faces too

[xjs3667]

Soak in kerosene..... use a old tooth brush or new..hell there cheap enough and it should come right off..

[BigFrank]

theres a tool for cleaning the grooves out   kinda like a pair of pliers  that has a square edged  cleaner on one end  ive seen em at most auto parts  stores  they work good and don't distort the edge  of the ring grooves      the one I have is probbally 30 years old   ive only used it a few times

[Kyle]

Never thought of keroene. Will gas work the same?

And ill look into that tool see if i can find somethin

[xjs3667]

Yea I forgot about the tool, but I would still soak them, to get all the carbon out.... also I would not recommend gas, since it is much more volitale and it evaporates faster.... keep won't ignite with a spark like gas does and I think it cleans better than gas also

[Jthomas]

Gas works good.

I also put them on a buffer. Works great

[Kyle]

The reason i asked bout gas is i dont already have a container for kerosene

[xjs3667]

Just use a old gas can..... I know they supposed to be blue but get a sharpie and write kerosene on it and your fine, or you just put it in a old milk jug or coffee can or whatever, if the gas station is like how it is around here, lol and people are idiots so they don't say nothing..

[Kyle]

Doesnt kerosene melt plastic like gas does?

[Jthomas]

Gas cans are plastic.

Just get the can of gas for the mower. Pour some on a rag and wipe the pistons down. Really simple. I did it just the other day