carbon ring
 

My 83- 617engine has about a half inch carbon ring at the top of the cylinder. Is this a problem that I should address before reinstalling the head? If so, how do I remove it without scratching the cylinder liner? Thank, Jay

Normal deposit on a diesel, and indeed a lot of gas motors.
As long as it is not so thick it's not flaking off, leave well alone...removing it can and does drop some down into the first ring land area.

Only real reason to remove it is if you are pulling the pistons out.
Blow out the cylinders with compressed air or a vacumm cleaner and instal gasket and head.



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That ring is from the distance between the top of the piston and the first fire ring. Normal as long as it's not a really big lip.

Leave it alone unless you are removing the pistons. fyi - AutoZone loans out a "ridge reamer" which is the tool used to remove it prior to removing the pistons.

Thanks, friends. I'll leave it alone. Jay