Thread: Dropped a piston

Tweet

Hey guys well I was doing the pre assembly and a piston accidentally dropped out with no rings in, hit my engine stand . Now its got a slight dent in the side of the piston, not deep at all. Is this gonna be a problem?
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks

I'd replace it. I'd probably pull all the other pistons and rebalance them at least.

Ill post a pic up later of the piston. I dont see how it would be much of a problem, since you have the rings sealing.
Why would I re balance? Everythings already balanced, and if i purchase a new piston, its not going to be any weight difference.

Its gong into my 85 chevy 1/2 ton shortbox pickup. The combo should produce 425 hp and 523 lb ft of torque at the flywheel. Probably wont ever see the strip, will only be my summer vehicle. my buddies also have hotrods, and we run em here and there. Wont see too much abuse, only when runnin my other friends.
its my 400 bored to a 413 that wre talking about. Right now im at work still, but tomorrow (saturday) around noon, I will post a very high resolution picture. Thanks

Well, as Dirty Harry said "do you feel lucky?" Sounds like you have some money in the engine and it would be a shame to have a problem once you put it all together.

But, as Denny said, without a picture we are guessing.

Don

if the rings turn free in the ring lands and the skirts are not bad size etc file off the hi spot run it . new pistons can and do have a weight dif that is why you bal the mass so all the pistons /rods are the same to 1 gram or less new pistons can be off more then 3 grams to a set of new pistons if this is a forged pistons they take take alot when made . if cast look for cracks by the oil ring land this would be the back side webbing that holds the piston skirts to the piston the oil ring on a cast is wide open and this makes them weak

Alright guys, I have the pics. Click on the links

small hint . . . resize the photos.

Originally Posted by Henry Rifle

small hint . . . resize the photos.

There, they are resized... . .

The ring groove looks deformed a bit to me............

yes i know this... I need advice whether I should be running this, or replace it.

How much for one piston??

30 dollars

I just wouldn't use it. If it came like that you sure as heck wouldn't take it, right? Get another and match the balance.

Kitz

Replace the piston. A gouge that close to the ring groove is going to cause problems. If not instantly, then eventually... No reason to wipe out a new engine for the price of one piston....