Does my piston need to be replace?

[Tanner Nelson]

My engine has been knocking for some time now, I finally figured out the head gasket had blown between two cylinders. I got down to the head gasket today and my analysis was confirmed. Unfortunately, when I took the cylinder head off, I noticed damage to the piston, though there was no debris present. I assume this means this has been true since the previous owners. Judging from this picture, does the piston need to be replaced?

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[Billy]

Rod knock, scored cylinder… sorry dude, your shortblock is toast. If you reuse the head, get it rebuilt.

[Richard Kirshy]

The debris from the top of the piston most likely went out the exhaust valve.
Might have a close look at that specific valve and seat for damage.
But considering your other stated issue.
I concur, may be better to to look for a replacement.

[Tanner Nelson]

That’s a fair analysis I suppose. I could start looking. However, I took out the piston and all other components connecting to the crankshaft look like like they’re in great condition. The valves on cylinder 4 (the one with the damaged piston) look a little discolored so I may replace them too. The block and all other components appear to be in good shape. Isn’t it possible that this is salvageable?

[Richard Kirshy]

[quote=”Tanner23456″ post=195797]That’s a fair analysis I suppose. I could start looking. However, I took out the piston and all other components connecting to the crankshaft look like like they’re in great condition. The valves on cylinder 4 (the one with the damaged piston) look a little discolored so I may replace them too. The block and all other components appear to be in good shape. Isn’t it possible that this is salvageable?[/quote]
Anything is possible.
The question you should be asking is if it is worth the time and cost.
At the minimum you’ll need to replace the piston and ring set.
Now that you went and replaced one set of rings, you ask if you should replace the others
Then ask if you should pull the crank have it inspected, re-polished and replace all the bearings.
At which point you’ll need to at least hone the cylinder and with the one being done it only makes sense to do them all.
Then you need to address the head and all it will need.
Making sure both the head and block deck are flat.
You see how deep the rabbit hole is going?
Not telling you it can not be done
If you have the budget and time to do it right, anything is possible.

[Billy]

You haven’t mentioned what kind of car you have, but I’ll bet dropping a junkyard engine in there is a much more effective solution to your problems.

[Author]

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