Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Soot on piston?

[9 Lives]

Took the cylinder head off to get fire ringed and what not. While inspecting the cylinders and pistons I noticed some junk sitting on the piston and flakes on the cylinder wall. So I blew into the cylinder and more flakes of soot came off the piston. Is this supposed to happen? Im guessing before putting the fresh cylinder head on I need to take a shop vac and clean out the cylinders real good ?



Will the flakes of soot basically go out the exhaust port when the engine is started again?



I can still see the cross hatch pattern on the cylinder walls so im guessing its good to go?

 

[bgilbert]

I had my block done at Scheid's and I asked them about the soot covered pistons etc, and they said it is normal for a 'hot' or turned up truck. I would wipe them down real good and use air to blow out the cylinders. Cross hatch pattern is good. With some engines the soot will come off easily, some not so easy or at all.

 

[9 Lives]

Yeah this soot is very thin flakes that can be easily removed with a soft towel or air hose.



How many differnt pistons did they run from the factory in these trucks?

Im not used to seing this bowl pattern. It looks like a deeeep bowl with a hershey kiss like shape in the center. The outer rim goes back underneath pretty deeply recessed.

 

[bgilbert]

How many differnt pistons did they run from the factory in these trucks? Im not used to seing this bowl pattern. It looks like a deeeep bowl with a hershey kiss like shape in the center. The outer rim goes back underneath pretty deeply recessed.

There were/are quite a few different pistons used. Here is about the best pic I could find of one of mine. 89 non-intercooled engine. I don't think the 'hershey kiss' is quite as big though. Not sure which ones you have. BTW, can you see your injector spray pattern on the pistons?

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

This is from my '01 HO, at about 100k, after being dipped for cleaning.



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[9 Lives]

Im pretty sure I can't see a spray pattern. It seems to be a sheet of black across the piston surface. I have photos of the pistons... ill try my best to get them up tomarrow afternoon.