Carbon buildups

I'm trying to clean up the carbon buildup on my 4-stroke twin from all the
bits
around the pistons (valves, barrel tops, head) and am wondering if anyone
has effective ways for getting it off. I've tried using a little piece of
aluminium but there is some hard to reach and really hard deposits that I'm
wondering how to deal with.

Thanks in advance,

Shane.

 

Leave it. In fact, add to it. It improves performance. ;-))

 

Try oven cleaner.

 

Yep, I always use a wire brush on the end of a drill.

It sounds a bit rough but I have also fixed the valves into the drill
(drill in vice like a turning machine) and, using a piece of gash mild
steel, turned the carbon deposits off the back of the valves. Finish
off with some abrasive cloth. (I watch the seats though and try to avoid
marking the part of the stem that goes into the guide/stem-seal area).

 

Not sure *what* was going on, (Burnout)
leapt in with:

Voldemort reads r.m.t??

Ahhh, anyway, I've used Easy-Off oven cleaner to good effect for
carbon removal. The can warns against it for aluminum, but using it
for just long enough to remove the carbon didn't harm the aluminum at
all . . . .

-Don

"We have enough youth; let's start looking for the Fountain of Sense." --Anon

 

Not sure *what* was going on, (Kaybearjr) leapt
in with:

Hmmmmm . . . never saw the aluminum turn black when I used it. But, I
used the "low-odor" variety of Easy-Off; maybe that has a different
active ingredient than sodium hydroxide? (I can't find the can now
that I brought it inside to clean the fireplace doors....)

-Don

"We have enough youth; let's start looking for the Fountain of Sense." --Anon

 

Why not use Honda carburetor and combustion chamber cleaner available in an
aerosol can, or Mercury's "Powertune", same thing.
OMC had a similar product before they were bought out and may still have.
Briggs & Stratton also same product.
Instructions are on the can but all you do is spray it on and let it soak,
it softens and dissolves the carbon, then wipe it off with a rag.
It also works for dissolving the gum and varnish found in neglected carbs,
it's the only product I use for carbs or carbon and I do a lot of carbs.