Before inspection, clean the piston/connecting rod assemblies and remove the original piston rings using a piston ring installation tool. Remove carbon from the piston top with a wire brush or fine emery cloth and use a groove-cleaning tool to remove carbon deposits from the ring grooves. Clean the assemblies with solvent and dry with compressed air. If the pistons and cylinder walls are undamaged, new pistons may not be necessary, but always use new piston rings when rebuilding an engine. Inspect each piston for cracks, scoring, holes, and burned areas. Measure the piston ring groove clearance and the piston-to-bore clearance. Check the piston-to-rod clearance for wear. If pistons must be removed, have the rods checked for bend and twist. Inspect the connecting rods for damage, inspect the rod and cap bearing surfaces, and replace old bearings if necessary.