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Proper Piston Groove Cleaner Instuctions Please

11K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  LittlePwny 
#1 ·
So i'm removing carbon crud from the piston ring grooves and metal shavings are showing up in the carbon collection. I'm absolutely sure I'm using the correct cutting size. I measure the piston rings and verified it. The piston ring grooves are 5/64 in. So I'm inserting 5/64 in. cutter. Should I use a smaller cut? Are the metal shavings normal when using the tool? Please offer me your help. I could really use it. I even used PB blaster as a lubricant to prevent metal shavings. While it did ease the force required to turn the tool, piston shavings still came out. Please help. Thank you
 
#3 ·
I've had that happen also, what I decided was that it was taking metal off the inside of the ring groove and not making it wider. Home depot has a cool lighted magnifier that you can use to see for your self. I don't thinks it's a problem unless you take alot of metal out. What you don't want to do is scrape the lands wider as that will make the rings flutter.
 
#4 ·
garyroushkolb said:
I've had that happen also, what I decided was that it was taking metal off the inside of the ring groove and not making it wider. Home depot has a cool lighted magnifier that you can use to see for your self. I don't thinks it's a problem unless you take alot of metal out. What you don't want to do is scrape the lands wider as that will make the rings flutter.
That's the thing, I think it's the lands. The inner face of the groove is still carbon covered. I'm fairly certain the lands are being scraped. Although I do admit it's a small amount per land, I don't want to jeopardize combustion seal. What alternatives could I use to? I heard the piston ring method could scratch the inner face and cause more harm than good. I'm not sure, maybe I could file the ring? Please let me know.
 
#7 ·
Best way to remove carbon from the lands is in a lathe rotated by hand, the second best alternative is walnut shell shot blasting. Hand methods don't compare....remember the ring seals against the lands so even 0.0001" taken off in one area is a leak although its not the end of the world and the engine will still run fine.

Have you tried soaking the pistons in caustic carb cleaner? Works pretty good also...washup with hot water and a brush and your done.
 
#9 ·
I met with a store owner today and requested information on the groove cleaner. He also recommended using piston rings. He emphasized the lands damage also. I've been convinced at this point to avoid the cleaner. I will however see if a smaller size can dig up the inside carbon better than a ring. A ring after all can scratch the grooves.
 
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