How can I get rid of this much carbon?

[CodeProofMonk]

Thanks for all of the replies. I had though about using a wire brush but I was afraid that it would score the top of the pistons. I'm no pro mechanic (in any sense of the word.), but given a long enough timeline can usually work things out.

Thanks for posting pics of other engines in similar conditions. Makes me feel better abot what I found on min.

[jimfj]

Just a quick question. Is there anything to add to the fuel or way of running the engine to prevent this kind of buildup? How many miles on the motor before you saw that kind of problem.

Jim

[Nessism]

Just a quick question. Is there anything to add to the fuel or way of running the engine to prevent this kind of buildup? How many miles on the motor before you saw that kind of problem.

Jim

Build up like that is normal and nothing to worry about. Some occasional Seafoam use wouldn't hurt though, which I "think" will keep the buildup down to a minimum.

[chef1366]

If you didn't have that kind of carbon buildup on a medium milege motor I would suspect a lean engine.

[feelergaugephil]

Just a quick question. Is there anything to add to the fuel or way of running the engine to prevent this kind of buildup? How many miles on the motor before you saw that kind of problem.

Jim

Yes, My friend in UK has a Chevy Suburban which runs on liquid gas (not petroleum), it has 146K on the motor and the cylinder head started to leak, we whipped the head off and to my amazement the tops of the pistons were like NEW!!!
He has 2 huge tanks in the back and fills up every couple of weeks...,,,,
Don't know if its possible to run a bike though!!!!!!!!

[chef1366]

Yes, My friend in UK has a Chevy Suburban which runs on liquid gas (not petroleum), it has 146K on the motor and the cylinder head started to leak, we whipped the head off and to my amazement the tops of the pistons were like NEW!!!
He has 2 huge tanks in the back and fills up every couple of weeks...,,,,
Don't know if its possible to run a bike though!!!!!!!!

Wow, that must burn very clean.

[duaneage]

You can shoot water or alcohol into a revved engine to loosen carbon up but that's a project unto itself

[posplayr]

You can shoot water or alcohol into a revved engine to loosen carbon up but that's a project unto itself

I always assumed that would have been simple; why is it involved?

[tkent02]

I always assumed that would have been simple; why is it involved?

Very easy, a small line from a gallon jug into the carburetor synchronization port. Engine vacuum will pull the water in, no pumping required. I use a little screw valve for a fish tank pump to shut off or adjust the flow. Go for a ride, once warmed up and cruising open the valve, let it flow very slowly. Use a flow rate low enough it does not effect the way it runs. When it's empty refill and move on to the next cylinder.
Learned this when Water Buffaloes were new, we had one with a water leak in #2 cylinder, the piston looked like it had never been run.
Been doing it ever since, cars, bikes, whatever.

[duaneage]

I always assumed that would have been simple; why is it involved?

Well you have to rig up four tubes to a water source, go through the sync ports and you need to get the bike started before you introduce the water.

I would go through the airbox somewhere, like the pcv vent.

Or the old fashion method of 90 mph for about an hour. That should do it

[posplayr]

Very easy, a small line from a gallon jug into the carburetor synchronization port. Engine vacuum will pull the water in, no pumping required. I use a little screw valve for a fish tank pump to shut off or adjust the flow. Go for a ride, once warmed up and cruising open the valve, let it flow very slowly. Use a flow rate low enough it does not effect the way it runs. When it's empty refill and move on to the next cylinder.
Learned this when Water Buffaloes were new, we had one with a water leak in #2 cylinder, the piston looked like it had never been run.
Been doing it ever since, cars, bikes, whatever.

Thanks. Will ahve to get a rig like that.

[duaneage]

Transmission fluid works too. marvel mystery oil does as well.

I ran water and alcohol injection on my small block ford for years. It was a Holley system that injected under 10 mg of vacuum and only if the engine was up to temperature. Don't do this on a cold engine, ever.

When I decided to swap heads around the pistons were almost spotless.

Water injection is actually banned in racing, apparently it's considered an unfair advantage