Before the inspection can be done, the piston/connecting rod assemblies have to be washed, the original piston rings have to be taken off the pistons and new piston rings always have to be installed. The rings on the pistons should be retrieved with a piston ring installation tool without scratching the ring or piston. Remove all the carbon deposits that stick to the head of the piston with the aid of a hand held wire brush or fine emery cloth, but it is recommended that you avoid using a wire brush that has been fixed in a motor since doing this will erode the surface of the piston. Carbon build-up in the ring grooves needs to be cleaned, using a piston ring groove cleaner, or as a last resort, a section of an old ring, should not scrape any metal off the grooves nor cause any damage. Upon the removal of the deposits, wash the piston/rod assemblies with solvent and blow the assemblies using compressed air such that the oil return holes are clear. If pistons and the cylinder walls are not badly scratched and worn and engine block has not been rebored, new pistons may not be needed, however always new piston rings should be fitted in the engine during rebuild. All pistons must be examined for evidence of cracks, scoring or scutting, particularly in areas where there may be signs of overheating or abnormal combustion; also patterns of corrosion suggesting coolant leaks. Check the side clearance of each of the pistons rings by using the feeler gauge on three points of each of the grooves and making sure the correct ring is used in each groove. To check the piston-to-bore clearance some bore measurements and piston diameters should be made in order to detect the accurate clearance. In the event that the clearance is outside the specifications, then the block should be rebored, pistons and piston rings changed. It can be checked that phenomenon of piston-to-rod clearance by attempting to twist the piston and rod in opposite directions; which would show definite looseness that would demand adjustment. If pistons are to be separated from the connecting rods, then the latter has to be sent for assessment of bend and twist at an automotive machine shop. Also, discover the connecting rods are cracked or damaged in some way, or can be slightly loosened so that the rod caps can be removed for inspection of the bearing surfaces for any nicks or scratches and bearings replaced before proceeding.