Damaged piston

[COPO_Anders]

One piston in the extra #512 shortblock I have is damaged as you can see. The pistons are almost brand new, and it would cost me almost 500$ to replace just this one. Do you think it´s necessary to replace it or can I use it without beeing afraid of it breaking ?

[SuperNovaSS]

Doesn't look to bad to me.


Jason

[budnate]

second that, clean up the top edge a little and run it.

[Keith Tedford]

Check to outside diameter and make sure that the top ring is free in the groove. Aluminum distorts pretty easily.

[COPO_Anders]

The top ring feels a little tight at one spot I think. If I can get the clearence right, would that be ok then ?
Since I only have the shortblock, and not the heads, I really don´t know what happened to it. Wouldn´t a dropped valve have caused more damage ? The piston looks good at the spot where the ring is a little tight.

[njsteve]

Could have been the old aircleaner wing nut down the carb trick. Much too little damage for a valve faliure. Here's a photo of what happens when a Hemi swallows a valve. (or when a previous owner installs the pistons backwards on the rods and leaves no room for the valves to clear the piston tops)

[SuperNovaSS]

Ouch!

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

As long as the ring grooves or glands are not damaged it should be fine.I would run a groove cleaner around the grooves especially the top one and that should clean it up to where the ring is free.I have torn engines down that run fine and have had more damage than the picture you are showing.If it were mine a good cleaning and reinstall.

Bobby Dodson

[moparts]

Wipe off the piston just using a clean towel. Now take a small ball-peen hammer and lightly tap on piston head and skirts. What you are looking for is stress cracks, if there is any the oil will come up out of them with the tapping.

[COPO_Anders]

Thank you guys for your advice, I will check it out thoroughly.