Piston Removal and Install

Tom;

Don't worry. When I clean up the carbon on the ridge, if the pistons do not come out easily, I will remove whatever ridge there is. I think that I may try the router bit if necessary.

Dick
 
The ridge needs to be removed. There needs to be a slight taper at the top of the cylinder . If the top edge is even with the bore with a sharp edge, you run an even greater risk of breaking a ring or a land on the piston when putting the piston in.
 
for the record a ring 'land' is that part of the piston which is on either side of a groove in the piston. in a sense they are the opposite of a groove. they are thin and break easily, then you have nothing to hold the rings in place
 
Well, some good news for a change. I removed the carbon build up on the ridge on #1 this morning with sandpaper and there was virtually no ridge. The piston came right out with no additional effort.

Hopefully the others will be the same.

Thanks again for all of the input. Much appreciated.

Dick
 
Dick,
What's the reason for piston removal?
Just wondering if it's just to check parts or a rering job, or a total rebuild?
 
Tom;

I have the engine pretty well torn down. See my thread on grooving of bearings (which are absent on my engine). I have always had lower compression on #3 than on the other cylinders. I have a Snyder's 5.5 head and get 82 - 84 psi on #'s 1, 2 & 4 and about 70 - 72 on #3. So I want to check rings and fit on all the cylinders. For the price of new rings I may just put new rings in. Although, if there is no ridge, then the wear must be minimal.

Would you re ring or just remove the glaze from the cylinders and reinstall the original rings?

Also, the top of the pistons have carbon. Some I removed with a light brushing, but there is some on all of the pistons that is very stubborn to come off. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your interest.

Dick
 
I'd probably install new rings and deglaze the cylinders. Turn the engine over and check each valve (when it's off the seat) for good seating wear. I use a putty knife to scrape carbon, or sometimes a razor blade. Just go slow and be careful not to scratch the aluminum.
 
Why not just go to a local Auto-Zone parts store and rent a ridge-reamer, then, when you are finished with it, take it back and get all the money back...no final cost to you.
John in Zebulon, NC
 
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