Clogged intake ports

[pctghost]

I was pulling my intake and my head's to replace the head gaskets due to leaking. When I pulled the intake there were two middle cooling ports that were clogged with carbon buildup. Is this a normal finding or does this mean there is an issue else where? What can I use to remove the carbon deposits?

 

[Dirtman]

I'd be more concerned about how carbon got into the cooling system...

 

[AndyB.]

Those aren’t cooling ports, it’s where the exhaust gets routed from the heads to the EGR spacer. You can break up the carbon with a hammer and punch, then shop vac it out.

 

[enginepaul]

A piece of wire rope chucked into a drill will whip around and break it free. Soaking in water will soften it, but that shouldn't be necessary. It does not have to be perfectly clean.

 

[pctghost]

Thanks, I ended up use a hammer and punch to break it up and then a pick to remove the little pieces.