Does anyone know how to diagnose a piston from looking at it from the top with the valve cover on and the spark plug out? Just basically looking down the hole and looking at it. I'll post a pic of mine soon. for the time being though does anyone have a link that I can use?

 

What are you trying to diagnose? There is very limited visibility trying to look down through the spark plug hole. You may want to try a bore scope but if there is something wrong with a piston you would surely know it. Good luck.

 

well I was just changing out my plugs and I noticed that the top of the piston had this dry light brownish carbon type build up on it and looked just like the plug that came out. Is this from running too rich? Can this be cleaned off with some off the shelf stuff?

 

Having a carbon buildup on the piston surface is normal and acceptable. Don't worry about cleaning it up. The carbon layer can actually help your engine as acting as a minor shock buffer to detonation.

 

Yeah carbon build up is normal since they run so rich from the factory. If you want it cleaned up get a alky kit and it will have your pistons looking new while giving you a nice power increase. Good luck.

 

shock buffer eh. okie dokie, I guess you learn something new everyday. Thanks guys.