6 cracked piston

[TAZZJR]

While doing a head gasket job, I cleaned my pistons of and noticed that all 6 cracked to varying degrees in the spiral groove on top of the piston. I will add pictures when I can

I'm wanting to replace them. I'm looking to buy parts and seeking knowledge.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Worst case, I have a parts motor I could pull them out of.

 

[DaneGer21]

There are new sleeve and piston kits available. Not sure your price range. I know on the main auction site there is a group of (6) NEW sleeves/pistons for almost $800/shipped

 

[TAZZJR]

If my sleeves are in good shape can I leave them in place and replace the pistons with used ones?

 

[DaneGer21]

If my sleeves are in good shape can I leave them in place and replace the pistons with used ones?

Technically yes.

If you can hunt down a dial bore gauge, you can check the bore/sleeves for wear. Then you’ll know if they are worn and should be replaced.

 

[Flint Westwood]

If you are replacing the piston the sleeves come right out anyway. Buy the piston and sleeve kit, new crankshaft bearings, and gasket kit as well and be done. If the pistons are cracked (caused excessive blowby and lack of power) like mine was it needed an overhaul. In the process you'll also probably find you need to do a clutch job as well. I just finished my rebuild and it turned out fine and it will for you if you are methodical. You didn't buy a deuce to save money did you?

 

[TAZZJR]

Here is the worst offender out of the six.

 

[TAZZJR]

If you are replacing the piston the sleeves come right out anyway. Buy the piston and sleeve kit, new crankshaft bearings, and gasket kit as well and be done. If the pistons are cracked (caused excessive blowby and lack of power) like mine was it needed an overhaul. In the process you'll also probably find you need to do a clutch job as well. I just finished my rebuild and it turned out fine and it will for you if you are methodical. You didn't buy a deuce to save money did you?

What tools did you have to use to pull and replace the sleeves? Were you able to do this in frame?

 

[ToddJK]

What tools did you have to use to pull and replace the sleeves? Were you able to do this in frame?

The sleeves will slide out easily. Easiest way to do it without damage to anything, turn the engine over with a breaker bar or wrench on the bolt for the crank pulley. As the pistons cycle, the sleeves will start to come up. If you're redoing all the cylinders, just pull them out as the piston forces them up, if not, you have to push the sleeves you don't want to come out back down before another crank on the pulley. Sometimes it will follow the piston back down but not usually and a helper with some pliers can easily pull them out as you turn that crank pulley.
Putting the new ones or the old ones back in, easy. However, you definitely need a suitable size piston ring compressor and I found it was easier to insert the sleeves first, then the piston from the top with a helper on the bottom to direct the rod and bearing to the crankshaft.

I did this when my head blew. Left motor in truck, tore it down from the top and had the fluids drained and oil pan removed, exposing all the essential stuff. I did the piston and sleeve replacement from the top. The sleeves have a ridge on the top that makes it so it can only be inserted from the top, thus is why I did the piston the same way, from the top, motor still in frame of the truck.

 

[TAZZJR]

The sleeves will slide out easily. Easiest way to do it without damage to anything, turn the engine over with a breaker bar or wrench on the bolt for the crank pulley. As the pistons cycle, the sleeves will start to come up. If you're redoing all the cylinders, just pull them out as the piston forces them up, if not, you have to push the sleeves you don't want to come out back down before another crank on the pulley. Sometimes it will follow the piston back down but not usually and a helper with some pliers can easily pull them out as you turn that crank pulley.
Putting the new ones or the old ones back in, easy. However, you definitely need a suitable size piston ring compressor and I found it was easier to insert the sleeves first, then the piston from the top with a helper on the bottom to direct the rod and bearing to the crankshaft.

I did this when my head blew. Left motor in truck, tore it down from the top and had the fluids drained and oil pan removed, exposing all the essential stuff. I did the piston and sleeve replacement from the top. The sleeves have a ridge on the top that makes it so it can only be inserted from the top, thus is why I did the piston the same way, from the top, motor still in frame of the truck.

Thank you. This answers alot of questions I had and will save alot of headaches

 

[ldmack3]

I just pulled my heads and while all 6 were cracked, only one was out of spec. Spec being <5/16 & <.020. One crack was about 1/2" long.
If I had the money, I'd replace all but I'm only doing the one.

 

[TAZZJR]

I just pulled my heads and while all 6 were cracked, only one was out of spec. Spec being <5/16 & <.020. One crack was about 1/2" long.
If I had the money, I'd replace all but I'm only doing the one.

If you can find a wooden handle broom at a dollar store. Cut the head off and its pretty good tool for pushing the pistons out from the bottom. Be aware that if you are not square on smooth surfaces or if you catch on of the bottom lips of the piston, the end of the broom can split and fall on your face.

 

[TAZZJR]

Ok I have replaced my pistons. The TM I read said 100 foot pounds of torque for the connecting rod bolts. When I took them off it sure seemed to take alot more than 100 foot pounds of torque to take them off. Is 100 foot pounds correct?

 

[DaneGer21]

Ok I have replaced my pistons. The TM I read said 100 foot pounds of torque for the connecting rod bolts. When I took them off it sure seemed to take alot more than 100 foot pounds of torque to take them off. Is 100 foot pounds correct?

I found this snippet. 800 INCH pounds. Or 66.66 Foot pounds. Anyone else confirm?

 

[TAZZJR]

I found this snippet. 800 INCH pounds. Or 66.66 Foot pounds. Anyone else confirm?

I think this is before attaching them to the crankshaft. I dont think you can mic the bearings when they are on the crankshaft.

Here is page I was following for installation.