Carbon in combustion chamber

[Brumychap]

Would an expert please advise if this buildup is excessive and requires new oil seals please?

Runs OK . Oil seal leak on one shaft decided to remove head while giving the machine a clean up & service

Tecumseh L head , 3hp, 97-2003 possibly Europa built in Italy
Possibly Centura model
Flymo Lawnmower with PTO

 

[slomo]

Looks normal to me. Think the manual states every 100 hours you do what you did in that picture. Time to scrub all that carbon off and install a new head gasket.

Tip, move the piston all the way UP to cover slash protect the bore when cleaning and scrubbing. Keeps from getting carbon chunks between the rings and scratching the bore. Use Diesel and a nylon brush. Might have to use carb cleaner or one of those plastic fingered round cleaning deals you chuck up in a drill. Has plastic fingers that do NOT harm the aluminum. Here's a link to them. Check them out on Youtube also.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/Scotch-Brite-Roloc-Bristle-Disc/?N=5002385+8710644+8710812+3293223502&preselect=8710951+8718581&rt=rud

slomo

 

[Rivets]

I see no reason to replace any seals. Looks like normal buildup. Just replace the head gasket.

 

[bertsmobile1]

I run a fleet of anchient side valve motorcycles and as previously mentioned it is normal service proceedure to remove the head & scrape the carbon build up from the head & piston.
The bodgers way to delay this ( to save the price of a head gasket ) was to spray water in a fine mist through the carb on a hot running engine
The steam generated scours the softer carbon off the engine & blows it out the exhaust.
Takes a carefull hand to get it to work without stalling the engine and when finished you have to tip a teaspoon of oil down the plug hole and rotate the engine.
Overdoing it will break the piston rings

 

[Brumychap]

Thanks guy’s much appreciated