Carbon is tough stuff. Like IC said..you don't want to go scraping, carving, flicking that chit around. If you're intent on cleaning it up, put the piston at TDC, block off the piston/cylinder gap (like..yanno..tape?) and the cylinder ports. Maybe douse a rag with YCCC, let it sit on the piston crown for awhile before you attack it with an angle grinder and a #20 pad.
There isn't enough there to worry about.
That is an odd carbon pattern. It's not a
little included..it's a LOT that way...with edges, even!
The gasket looks odd. Maybe it's just the flash on the camera.
What's the funny outlined hole on the head at 2 o'clock?
It does all look wet. ..which is the answer to #4...moisture.
Re: 'Those vertical marks in that area...'
I thought those were just goo from the wet kind'a smeared down. The carbon on the wall is above the top ring, ain't it? It doesn't wipe off? The gasket makes it look deeper than it really is 'cuz of the shadow?
What's the other side of the gasket look like?
An OEM build with a leaking head gasket.
![Think :hmm:](./images/smilies/eusa_think.gif)
I wouldn't bet on it....but then...who am I to argue with a bunch of unmolested bolt heads!!??
Take that pin out of the head before you send it off. NOt a big deal...but then you'll know where it is and Ron won't have to care. I guess it's there anyway. Can't see it on the head..but there is a hole in the cylinder where it fits...USED to fit...........
OH NO!!!!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
You dropped it into the crankcase!!!
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jk
RE: '...told me not to talk about that.'
Her what? That's OK. I'm sure she's still beautiful. Just keep telling her she is and she'll be fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that stuff........