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If you use a softer media you can clean out the ring lands too. I've done this on really dirty hardened sludge ground into the ring lands.
Yes. Basically you were melting the piston tops at that point.
I'm sorry. I was away for a few days and missed that part.
No worries! Advice always appreciated.
If the pistons had not already been rejected I would have reused them. The pitting didn't go near the edges that I could see, and the lands I assume were Ok. As far as loosing it's hardness, Aluminum is a funny metal. It's not like steel which if overheated can lose its hardness. It's more a matter of the material makeup of the aluminum. How much tin, how much pure aluminum, how much other metal alloys that make up the hardness of the metal. True there is something to be said for the "Alignment" of the molecules, that is why "Freezing" the aluminum can help with hardness after it is formed. It's just over heating is not that vital to the integrity of the metal as in steel. I had a small foundry for several years and cast mostly aluminum. Fun metal to play with.
No, your right.
Yes, there are 4 ring (old style) and 3 ring (new style) pistons. Do not mix them though ! They have different weights and would put your engine out of balance.
No that is the old style ones. The newer ones are black and don’t have those slots
The fire rings are integral in the gasket. No sealer is used you install dry. You need to make sure the heads are flat and the block is clean. No re- torque is necessary. The torque on the studs depends if you have a TD block. That stands for thick deck. Those torque to 157 ft lbs. I used ARP ultra torque lube on the nuts and washers.
You can use a "Loctite" or "FelPro" gasket sealer designed for heads. I've had good luck with the "Loctite" product. Though you shouldn't really need it if the block deck is finished nice and the heads are properly flat.
