Oh, I believe you. My mindset is fix it only if it's broke, because my "fixing" might only break it more. This applies to the engine, not things like tires, oil, etc.

However, I will have to look into steam cleaning. I do have some very dirty piston heads.

 

Negative.

Use Chrysler Combution Chamber Cleaner to clean pistons. Do not steam clean you pistons.

 

Haven't got a clue as to what I'm looking at in the Specific Gravity Table (, ) but that YouTube video in your sig is awesome.

 

or he could just use brake parts cleaner and a brass wire brush and save $7

 

^^^^^I'd bet this would make the tops of those pistons look new. Put each piston at TDC and keep the shop vac handy.

 

If you only have a standard Hydrometer, you can use that table to see your % of Ethylene Glycol! (IE, 50/50 @ room temp would be about 1.08 SG).

Ha! Now that you (at least), have seen it maybe I'll change it. (hope you had the sound up!

OP as far as the pistons, a big part of the game is to not rice gunk down into your rings. A complicated tip is to finish with some thick oil, then turn the crank/piston down by hand, and wipe what is on the cylinder wall. There is a space between the top ring and the top of the piston, then a ring end-gap as well. The 1/2 dozen or so times I've been there I just used a putty knife and paper towels. I suppose a nice vacuum tip, and just scraping bigger stuff might work. It's gonna go back to some equilibrium soon enough anyway, no need to go too far is my .02.

 

while at tdc clean the tops of the pistons off, then move the piston down and get the carbon build up off the ridge ring.

 

OP, regarding the gasket, I agree with all the experts but I'm still a little puzzled about you saying the old gasket NOT covering all the jackets in your first post. So, did the old gasket actually leave some of those holes exposed? Just curious.