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I’m pulling apart my 49 8BA bit there is a ridge at the top of the cylinders. Can I take all the rods loose and mains and pull the pistons out of the bottom or will they come out with enough convincing from the top?
I think it is a factory engine as all of the bearings and valves are still stamped with Ford. And the pistons say STD. But, there is a LOT of guns in the pan and intake - old Pennzoil? It hasn’t been tagged since ‘79 but stored inside a nice metal building.
I honestly don't know if you can get them out the bottom. The pistons are tall enough that they might not clear the opposing cylinder's rod. The ridges need to go, no matter what your plans are, so why not use a ridge reamer and pull them out the top? You won't damage the pistons that way, if you elect to hone and re-use them with new rings.
Original pistons weren't stamped "STD" that I've ever seen, they could be standard-size replacements.
I guess I will hunt down a ridge reamer. I was trying to avoid buying one that I probably won’t use again.
My plans are to do as much as I need to but not more than I have to the engine. I plan on keeping the truck as long term project. The deeper I go the more I find (hole in one piston and so much sludge).
Before investing any significant money in a rebuild have the block checked for cracks. These blocks are very prone to cracks at the valve seats and between the head bolt holes and bores. My block has 2 sleeves and valve seat inserts. Not cheap.
I know guys that use sanding flap wheels on a die grinder to get the ridge out. They argue that the ridge reamer can cut too far. I know others that say just the opposite. Either way you decide, be careful not to over do it. You need to remove just enough to let the rings get by.
I rebuilt an 8BA a couple of years ago. I got a little to wild on the ridge reamer.I took of more material off the top off a couple of cylinders than I should have. So be careful to only take off just the ridge. I ended up having to go to oversized pistons, because I tapered the top of a couple of cylinders. I wasn't using the ridge reamer properly. Also I got a copy of How to rebuild & modify a Ford Flathead V-8 Engine. Motor Books Workshop. By Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel. It will lead you step by step through the rebuild process. There are plenty of guys on this forum that can help you with any questions you might find along the way.
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