Anybody know the best way to remove carbon deposits from an alloy cyinder head.
Don't want to blast it, casting is to complicated.

Any houshold chemicals that may work??

Any acidic or caustic solution (Cilit Bang ?)will lift the carbon off, but if left a moment too long it will oxidise the surface and leave a dull grey finish. If you do try it, make sure if you have a bucket of soapy water to dunk it into, best add some bi-carbonate of soda to the water to help neutralise the cleaning acid/alkali .



I find a strong solvent like toluene/petrol left or a while loosens it quite nicely. Best find a big air tight plastic box to put it in and seal the lid. -something like an underbed storage box..?

Caustic solutions on alloy isn't a good idea.
I am pretty sure Cillit Bang is acidic rather than caustic.

Traditional way is scrape it off by hand or a wire brush in an electric drill.
These days nylon brushes are available.

a friend of mine makes up a mixture of petrol, household detergent of some sort and something else that he sprays on, leaves to work in briefly and then cleans up with a stiff brush and rag.

Ned.

diesel and petrol mix works well. Or even diesel on its own left to soak then wire brush off.

Wire brushes and petroleum spirit - ouch

would oven cleaner work ????
okay i admit no SWMBO

CIF is the best i've found, and not to bad on the pinkies

Gasket stripper works in minutes .