best way to remove pistons would be appreciated! All bolts are off staring at crankshaft wondering how to remove pistons, hopefully without the need of a 'special' tool.
I usually don't remove the main caps until after the pistons are out, but it seems you may have gotten carried away a bit. LOL, I guess that can happen.
Anyway, I usually start by removing the two connecting rod nuts then using the rubber or wood end of my hammer I'll tap the con-rod stud till it separates and gives up the cap. Once this happens you must mind the crankshaft journal as any scratches are absolutely unacceptable. Usually once you have the con rod cap off, most people will slide hose over the studs to insure the crank or cylinder walls don't get nicked.
From there, get a broomstick handle and use it to push the bottom of the piston down, while holding your hand under the cylinder to catch the piston in your hand once it comes out.
Important foot notes - depending on cylinder wall ridge or carbon build up it may be necessary to use a ridge reamer to get the piston out if it's bore, mind you this is very rare but make sure each bore has been cleaned prior to popping out the pistons.
Let us know how it goes and be sure to keep all rod caps in order and pistons marked to corresponding cylinders.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Things have just gotten very complicated, expensive & possibly spelled the end of your project....You do have options though.....
* Try & find a S/H piston assembly...If you're lucky, some-one may split a set, & it may measure-up to specs. You would also want to compare piston & rod weights to avoid re-balancing the engine.
* A new complete set of pistons would be the best option, whilst re-conditioning the rest of the motor up-to-specs. Very expensive, & where do you stop, plus who will do the work ?
* Your best option would be to source a 2nd-hand & running 560 engine, & drop it straight in. You could be up & running again withing a week. I can't tell you what to expect for a complete engine, but it will be by-far the cheapest way out-of-the mess you're in, & a 560 will be a significant improvement in performance for probably a similar out-lay in cash.
Good luck & cheers,
Rastus
PS Maybe SELLC has some engines or alternatives for you to consider...Drop him a message & see what happens...
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"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
Damn guys... Did not catch one of the pistons. Dropped and cracked!
How much for a piston?
Wow! Where did it crack?
You must have really shot that sucker out of it's bore to crack the piston.
I do have some used 420 piston's.. I didn't want to seperate for fear of how long I may have to hang on to the rest, but then again I do currently have three 420 long blocks sitting on the ground.
Let me know, if you don't make the 560 upgrade, Ill work something out.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
