So I took my girl out on Friday just because I got her fixed. As I was driving on the highway my air cleaner screw snapped and part of it got pulled into the engine. I just finished tearing down the top end of the engine to find a bunch of small dings on the piston and a piece of steel the size of a bb. I've been told a scotch pad or fine sand paper might work to remove the dings. I won't have the money to replace the pistons for a while so is there anyway to repair this? Or are the pistons done for?

Cylinder 6



Cylinder 8

 

I guess my main concern is would it take too much compression out or not? It doesn't seem any the dings are nessacarisly deep, would the engine build up patiently fill in these dings? The cylinder walls seem nice and smooth still.

 

Is this a Big Block?

Doesn't look bad to me, I would be as much or more concerned about the valve seats and valve stem straightness.

Compression difference would be to small to measure.

 

Yes it is a 440 RB block, I just wasn't sure. I am going to do a leak test of the valves when I get home today to see if the seals on them went bad, if they did then I can just buy two replacement parts rather then rebuild the full heads. I don't mind if the engine will need to be rebuilt in a few years, I planned on stroking it down the road but the money I would have to invest to do a regular rebuild I feel would be worthless since this car only sees maybe 50 miles a month, if that. So you would suggest just checking the heads and slapping it back together? I mean I fell like engine deposit would fill in the dimples to begin with, right?

 

I would at least take the valves from that cylinder out and check the seats.

When you say "seals" do you mean the valve seat or the oil seals?

I would not be concerned about compression changes.

 

I'd rag it back together and run it till I was ready to rebuild it.... But that's just me..

 

pull the to valves and check them if all ok put it together thats no big deal just dont run nitrous

 

I mean the valve seat, sorry.

I guess I will check the seat, see if it's good and buy a engine gasket kit and throw it back together.

 

Sounds good. No need to apologize.

 

Well I flipped the head over and poured gas into the two valve inputs that took a beating, number 8 seems to be leaking like no other. I can hardly tell number six is leaking by but you can notice a little puddle start have a minute of gas sitting in the inlet so I will just replace both while I have it taking apart, time to start the rebuild process. What are all the silicones/sealants I will need to by to put this engine back together? Is there a good guide where I can get the torque specs for you guys know about? I haven't tried googling yet but I figured I would ask you guys first.