Re-use Pistons?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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Re-use Pistons?
? is this. I now have the 360 and the 390 torn down. The 390 block will need to be bored, std at this time, going to .030 over. The 360 pistons are .030 over and look ok. I want to clean them up. What is the best way to do this? Can I use a bead blaster with glass beads to clean them up? Is it even worthwhile to do so or would I be better off with new pistons, wrist pins etc.? You input is needed here. When I was doing small blocks Chevs I ALWAYS used new pistons. What do you guys think? Due to the greater height of the 360 piston I am thinking I can get a little closer to "0" deck. (The piston top from center of wrist pin is .082 taller then the 410 pistons that were in the 360) Thoughts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Using 360 pistons in a 390 is a good idea. It will give you .008" deck clearance. This will give you a good compression ratio. You will want to check them for wear though. They should be .0005" wider at the bottom of the skirt than at the wrist pin, measured 90 degrees to the pin. Check the wrist pin bore by soaking the piston in solvent to remove oil, and twist the piston back and forth in relation to the rod. If you can fell any movement, it's worn too much.
To clean them, a scrub brush and castrol super clean or soapy water works. A dull screwdriver works to clean carbon off the top. I would avoid the glass beads, I think it may dent the aluminum. I may be wrong though.
To clean them, a scrub brush and castrol super clean or soapy water works. A dull screwdriver works to clean carbon off the top. I would avoid the glass beads, I think it may dent the aluminum. I may be wrong though.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
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Make sure you dont have the full skirt 360 pistons.
I just finished putting my short block together with 360 pistons in my 390. I used slipper skirt pistons, c7aeb truck rods and a standard 390 crank. And yes the deck clearence is right near 0...didnt actually measure it up but they are pretty close to the top.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/threa...eid=1084909341
Heres a link from the fordfe.com forum with a pic of a junk 360 piston i used to mock up. My biggest concern was how well a cast piston would handle the abuse. I have a tendancy to be rather hard on my truck while mudbogging but I used 360 pistons anyways....we'll see how long it'll last.
Rob
http://www.network54.com/Forum/threa...eid=1084909341
Heres a link from the fordfe.com forum with a pic of a junk 360 piston i used to mock up. My biggest concern was how well a cast piston would handle the abuse. I have a tendancy to be rather hard on my truck while mudbogging but I used 360 pistons anyways....we'll see how long it'll last.
Rob
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 4
From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
After you clean those pistons and check them to make sure your going to use them..
to get the carbon off.. I have always used a wire wheel on my bench grinder to
take it off.. being careful tho..starting at the center of the piston and going lightly
as I came to the edge of the piston..as not too roll over the top edge..
And wear a Painter mask and goggles while doing this..ya dont want that crap
in your lungs...and that carbon flying off..it'll take an eye out real quick!
Good Luck-Russ
to get the carbon off.. I have always used a wire wheel on my bench grinder to
take it off.. being careful tho..starting at the center of the piston and going lightly
as I came to the edge of the piston..as not too roll over the top edge..
And wear a Painter mask and goggles while doing this..ya dont want that crap
in your lungs...and that carbon flying off..it'll take an eye out real quick!
Good Luck-Russ
