De-coking pistons - tips please?

[jezza16v]

Hi all. I'm in the process of cleaning up the block and de-carbonising the pistons. I'm OK cleaning the top of the block as its hard steel but the pistons seem to be pretty soft alloy so I don't want to chew them up if I can help it.
Any good tips for cleaning the tops of the pistons without too much aggression would be much appreciated? 

[mwep201081]

never tried it but I've heard that cola will clean off carbon build up....leave it soaking overnight and it breaks the carbon down....

much like it breaks your innards down when you drink it.....

If you try it, take some photos cause I wanna know if it works 

[CHRIS_MC]

rough kitcken sponge & brake cleaner, i bought GUNK and soaked the whole top block of my MK4, then polished it
from this


to this

[CHRIS_MC]

i also set fire to the inlet manifold, similar to this, although i didnt have a blowtorch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oet4qWeZuYA

[danny_p]

thats a diesel head you really ant to skim that or at least check it's flat

[DarnPB]

To de-coke pistons, course scotchbrite and petrol or diesel, and loads of elbow grease. If you are replacing the rings, use an old ring to clean out the grooves.
Never tried coca-cola, but feesable.