Last year I soaked a set of used piston and rods in carb cleaner, got all the carbon off, etc. They are going in the block as-is with new rings. But they’ve been laying on a shelf collecting dust/ect. What should I use to clean these up? Solvent dunks, dawn soap and rinse dunks, etc? Yes, I should have bagged them last year, but I didn’t.
Clean them up with solvent or carb cleaner, and make sure to clean out the ring groves (old broken rings work good) and lube the pins.
All is cleaned from the previous use. Ring gaps have been taken care of. The dust/debris has just collected the past year.
You’re assuming I have a dishwasher. I did ask a few friends, the answer wasn’t just no, but “eff no”. Lol But, one of my daughters rents an apartment, might be a good option there.
I was going to suggest this too, but you beat me to it. For what it's worth, you can also use a dishwasher to cook fish.
^^^ Actually, it was her idea to get one so we can clean non-greasy stuff ... she's one of a kind, & I'm a lucky fella.
Wash them in a good sink of warm water and dawn,,,,since they have already been cleaned . Blow them dry,,,,and oil the pins like Jim said,,,that’s S O P . Tommy
^^^^ yep, soap and water, I might dry them in the oven just to be sure there’s no moisture in the pin area then oil em and bag em.
Is this thread for real..? its gotta be a troll right? ...right?? I mean.... “i cleaned my pistons but now theyre dusty. how do i clean the dust off them”
No, I’ll explain it to you slowly so you will understand. Pistons were put in a pan with carb cleaner for two days Just the pistons. Not the rods. Are you with me? Okay, think when an engine is running, oil film is on everything inside the engine. Still with me or am I trolling ? So after soft bristling the carbon off the tops and lands, I wipe the pistons off and set them on a shelf. So 7/8 months later I’m going to put them in the block. mare you still following along? I hope you are. Now they need to be cleaned. Normally I’d be up against two different things, a shop would give me a clean assembly I could blow off and install, or I’d have a née part that I could do the same with. My concern (if you are still following along) is what would be the best way to clean oil filmed and dust impregnated assemblies. Now you did read the replies I suppose. My concern with using a water type of solution would be rust. As noted by one helpful person, even after the dishwasher route he blew them off/ out. Seems like a good idea. So please go , Aw never mind. Spent too much time replying to your post to have to tell you what a real ass I think you are.
Sounds like youve got it under control. But just for someone who might come across this thread say through a google search: when cleaning and reusing pistons always make sure the ring lands are clean. They collect tons of crap and if not clean will mess up your newly installed rings.
Mineral spirits work well, but bag the parts up right after to keep them clean. I'll blow off the excess with compressed air.
Scrub down with mineral spirits and a new stiff bristled parts cleaning brush. Dry thoroughly.Soak in a bucket of clean motor oil, and place into individual Zip Lock baggies. Store in a secure cabinet. Or just store them in the bucket of oil with the lid on. They will be ready to go for years.
After things are degreased and doing final wipedown. I use rubbing alcohol or acetone/ mineral spirits. Rubbing alcohol doesn't cost much and does a great job.
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