checking for broken pistons

[86omnit2]

when pistons crack from detonation where exactly do they crack. can you see the damage with the head off?

[22dodge]

you should see chunks missing on the outer edge when looking down from the top if you see any pitting you have had detonation and chances are pretty good you have comprimised the piston. best to replace and not chance it.

[SUPER60omni]

I have had TONS of faliures where I could see no damage until the pistons were out! They break in between the rings on the ringlands and multiple other places, Remove them and check them ALL very closely. The cracks are sometimes hidden by carbon.

[DaytonaTurboZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUPER60omni I have had TONS of faliures where I could see no damage until the pistons were out! They break in between the rings on the ringlands and multiple other places, Remove them and check them ALL very closely. The cracks are sometimes hidden by carbon.

Yep, last motor I took apart the pistons fell apart in that spot when I removed them. Never would have known unless they were taken out.

[ShelbyMopar89]

Look at the third picture page here http://www.shelbymopar.com/gallerybu...=900&link=true
I could not tell at all from just looking down on the pistons.

[turbo minivan]

the 4 that i have replaced in the last year from this all broke a large chunk off around the edge, on the face. i think its a problem from detonation along with a crappy piston design, the dish being too close to the top ring land.
mine all seem to have broken close to or along the valve relief. and then of course when they bust wile driving it starts to chug like a pig, smoke like a whore, and knock the broken chunks around inside the cylender till they get spit out through your turbine wheel or you find them when you take the head off. be sure to clean up the head and valves! it might kick off a follower too.
ive gotten it down to 3 hours for a piston swap! good luck!!

[Endo]

Broke 2 pistons in my last engine. 1 had a huge!! hole in the ringland and i didn't see anything wrong (besides the gouge in the cyc. wall) until i removed it. The other broke in half right down the middle and was very obvious from above and below.