Removing Buildup on Pistons

[Low Level E30]

After removing the cylinder head on my M42 to change the head gasket, it was apparent that there are 16 years of buildup on the tops of the pistons. There is flaky black carbon on the piston tops - maybe because the car wasn't properly tuned up on a regular basis.

Is there a simple way to wear this buildup down? What if I use a couple bottles something like Redline SI-2 in consecutive tanks of gas?

Any ideas?

I don't want to take the engine apart just to clean off the pistons, but would like to clean it up as much as possible while I've got the head off.

Thanks!

[FredK]

I'd try using some GM Piston and Ring Cleaner. Just put a few ounces on top of each piston and wait a few hours. Agitate with a nylon brush, then vacuum out the residue. Berryman B-12 Chemtool may be a similar type of product.

Unacceptable methods of cleaning pistons would include using any type of Scotchbrite or Rolocs. These products still contain an abrasive. Sure they look like plastic, but they still contain aluminum oxide.