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Old 04-13-2009, 08:27 AM   #1
Mechie3
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Default Reuse Pistons

What is required to reuse pistons? I spun a rod a while back and am finally putting my "spare" engine together. If I get new rings and clean off the pistons are they ok? Do I need to remove all of the carbon buildup from the top surface (including that which isn't easily removable?
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Old 04-13-2009, 11:15 AM   #2
benw
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if the rod bearing did not disintegrate to the point where the piston was slapping the head, I would say there is probably no reason not to re-use the pistons. like you said cleaning them completely and getting new rings is the most important part.
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Old 04-13-2009, 11:24 AM   #3
Storm
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The one thing I would be leary about, is the coating on the skirts being worn off. If they go back into the same bores, it shouldn't be an issue.....but if you clean the rest of that coating off the skirts, it may be enough of a change in piston to wall clearance that slap could occur.

I'm in the same boat......I cleaned all the coating off the skirts as it was worn out anyway. Now I'm not sure if I should use them as is, or have them recoated.


Jay
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Old 04-13-2009, 11:38 AM   #4
jays05
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We reused 3 pistons from my old built motor in the new build. They had 8k miles on them. Besides cleaning them up and buying new rings, we had the skirts coated @ swaintech.
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Old 04-13-2009, 12:13 PM   #5
Mechie3
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Pistons never slapped the heads so I'm fine on that level. The coating is worn in some spots on all of the pistons (lighter gray instead of a dark black). I plan to have the cylinder bores honed just to break the glaze. Would that be fine?

I got one new rod to replace the one that had issues and will reuse the other 3 rods I had.
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Old 04-13-2009, 02:57 PM   #6
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I want to re-use these pistons off a 257, but like you guys mentioned, I was thinking about swain tech coating at $20 bucks a pop for skirts, plus I seen some NPR rings at ebay $40 for the cheap, but I'm saying to myself, it'll be like 150 to reuse my pistons, my skirts have some spots on them but feel really fingernail smooth. I shined one up like a champ it looks really good. Someone said on somewhere if youre bothering to crack open the block go all the way.....and things like dont even bother with the oem...but then I hear brydon over there on RS and stock pistons will handle some decent HP regardless, so why so serious?



Engine has like 30k on the block and walls look good, but still would you guys bother to rehone in there before reusing pistons? Maybe it will allow for a better seat of the rings? ^^ I seen one guy said words like "deglazing the walls" or something like that, I wouldnt just throw them back in for a daily driver?

What do guys think about NPR ebay rings? Id almost rather purchase rings at my local subaru for that.

How bout rehoneing block?

How can you "inspect" an aluminum piston like this? red dye stuff? Ill talk to my guys whoever I go with about all this baby stuff as well.

How about rings for stock pistons?

How are you doing today?

Are Manley Platinum 2618's any reviews on those I cant find any?

In the meantime I've seen some wierd ebay bidding activity on sets of used but "new" sometimes sti pistons sold for 76 bucks 150 bucks 200 bucks, wierd.

I want to get some manley platinum 2618 I seen somewhere for like 400 bucks with everything. Skirts, rings, and all that, what im figuring if I spend 100 bucks on reused pistons, coatings, and new rings, and rehone/clean I might as well pay 300 more for pistons and have a great block. Then again, eat the costs of machining properly as well, and eat my budget build up.

Last edited by ~snowman~; 04-13-2009 at 03:15 PM.
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Old 04-13-2009, 05:55 PM   #7
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I'm staying OEM because of autocross classing rules.
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Old 04-13-2009, 09:18 PM   #8
chicosubaru
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theres a couple of concerns. 1: measure the piston and cylinder for wear and becoming oval. a 45,000 mile motor can have enough wear to warrant new pistons and rehoning if driven hard, lots of boost, etc. 2: don't clean the ring lands with old piston rings. the ring lands have strict clearances and thats where they seal. when you scratch them and enlarge them the rings wont seal as well. i use a strong solvent dip and after its all softened use a piece of wood to scrape it. 3: if the pistons and cylinders look good, obviously put the piston back in the same hole it came from.
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Old 04-13-2009, 10:28 PM   #9
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NPR rings are very good. I have used at least 6/8 sets on ej22 motors.
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Old 04-13-2009, 11:11 PM   #10
LiquidForce
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Call any of the popular engine builders on here and see about getting some stock pistons and rods that have been taken out of a brand new block that someone had upgraded. I did and I managed to get 4 brand new pistons for 50 shipped.

A set of stock rings for 4 pistons will set you back another 125 - 150 depending where you get them.
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Old 04-13-2009, 11:19 PM   #11
Mechie3
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I've seen NPR rings on ebay. I have no idea what cylinders my pistons came out of. I tore down the engine (it lasted 33K) in NY and moved to Indy. It's all there...some where. If I can't get inexpensive OEM pistons I'll see what a machine shop charges to clean them.
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Old 11-13-2020, 04:07 PM   #12
sebastian323
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jays05 View Post
We reused 3 pistons from my old built motor in the new build. They had 8k miles on them. Besides cleaning them up and buying new rings, we had the skirts coated @ swaintech.



Do you have to specify any thickness to the coating ? i am planning on re-using my pistons for a stock EJ205 USDM rebuild. I am changing the bearing and piston rings as well
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Old 11-13-2020, 04:10 PM   #13
BlackFighter
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This is a 11 year thread. You would be better off PMing Jays05 if he is still on here. Or ask your builder.
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Old 12-01-2020, 06:39 PM   #14
Ebuet
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Holy thread digging
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Old 12-12-2020, 06:34 PM   #15
spoolinsti05
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I reused mine with no issues removed coating cleaned up wrist pin bores and upgraded pins are they had bent slightly. No issues but my ptw clearance was to tight from last builder. Now it's a little to lose however about .0039 thousandths. But I run thicker oil now 5w40 and a top end lube added to fuel never hurts. More boost doesn't hurt either. But I also raised compression with d25 heads. Also added more ring end gap.
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