Cleaning pistons ???

basstracker1970

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What is the best way and safest to clean up pistons esp the ring grooves? Thanks in advance for your help.....
 

dwco5051

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

I always used a broken ring as a scraper. It will fit the groove right and if you are careful it will work as well as a tool designed for that purpose. Plus it is free.
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Thanks for the idea. I think i have a couple left over. Would soaking the piston in seaform for a day clean it or would that be to harsh. I would like to get the pistons looking new again.
 

Faztbullet

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Have you miked the pistons for wear? Hate to see you put a worn out piston (skirt area) in a motor and have idling and fuel problems..
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Can somebody tell me what the specs are for pistons and cylinder? This motor is a 1983 merc 80hp. Thank in advance. Be nice if we had a place on here that listed the specs on each motor for rebuilding.
 

Silvertip

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Do you realize how big the files listing engine specs would be? Besides, that's what service manuals are for. Everything you need to know about rebuilding and servicing your engine. Obviously the manufacturers manuals are the best as they built the motor.
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Maybe it is to big of an overtaking but it would still be nice. Come on you pro's send me some specs......
 

Faztbullet

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

O.D above ring land...................2.863"
O.D at skirt..............................2.872"
Cylinder finish hone(I.D).............2.875 Max......2.878
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Thanks alot Faztbullet that helps me alot. Are there any give on the piston measurements or do they have to be exactly what you gave me.
 

Faztbullet

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Needs to be within .0005 as if to loose you end up with piston slap and low crankcase pressure,the skirt is the life of the piston. Check your wear around the transfer port as this is where most wear occurs in cylinder due to side thrust.
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Ok, If I buy new pistons will the low dome pistons work ok? Wouldn't the low dome pistons run better with todays crappy fuel as they should be a lower compression piston. Please correct me here if im wrong on this im still learning...
 

jerryjerry05

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

How bad is the wear on the skirts?? Post a few pics.
Sea-foam,Power Tune.Either will work. At any auto parts store they sell a carb soak.About $20 for a gallon can.It's reuseable for years.It works real good but kills any rubber or paint.J
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

This might be a dumb question to most but where the heck is this located on the block? I am new to this and learning every day. I have looked at my block all over and dont see anything like that on it.
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Ok faztbullet I found them and took some pics. Pics are kinda blurry from trying to get close up. They look like a brass insert that had a plastic part inside it that has melted out. Here are pics.
restrictor ports 001.jpg

restrictor ports 002.jpg

restrictor ports 003.jpg

restrictor ports 004.jpg
 
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basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Also I only see 3 of them in there that can be fixed the bottom hole looks like a drain or something.
 

Faztbullet

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

That is correct.....only 3 on a 4 cylinder and 5 on a 6 cylinder
 

basstracker1970

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Re: Cleaning pistons ???

Would a #59 drill bit work? Cant find a 60 around here but found a 59 bit. That is a small bit for sure.
 
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