Project Liberator

B

blazeracer

New member
Like Bill, I am NOT a fan of MSD's at all. I'll be running a good ole reliable HEI on my Ford, along with a good ole reliable Holley mechanical fuel pump.
 
73 Sanger Flat

73 Sanger Flat

Active member
When you pull that piston out , look at the end of the top ring and see if the two end have been rubbing together , Look for a shinny spot in the end of the rings ..  if so the ring were too tight and could cause this . 

I love my MSD and so far no problem , and I been running the same MSD box of about 8-9 years
 
J

jdeaton

New member
Duane, What will it cost me to replace the piston, not counting the cost of the piston.  Will the whole assembly need to be torn down and rebalanced?  What would you do, if it were yours? 
 
B

blazeracer

New member
soldier of fortune said:
well i think there are alot more msd likers than haters jump.gif
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Just my opinion... I've been in jet boating for only a year and I've seen two boats get towed in for MSD failures. Mine didn't start last time in the water due to a Mallory failure. Not for the module, but for the shaft bearing. When I pulled the dizzy is wouldn't even turn, so I guess they're all prone. An HEI just eliminates a lot of pieces.

Also my opinion. I don't know any details on your motor, but if it's a stock piston I'd replace the broken one and roll with it as long as the cylinder isn't scored at all. Check the exhaust valve and make sure it didn't clamp down on that piece when it blew out. My Grand Prix broke a piston a few years back. It broke exactly like yours did due to detonation. Changed the piston and bearing on that rod and got her running without pulling the motor. It's still in my driveway now and runs great.

If it's a hotrod race motor, I'd go through it.
 
J

jdeaton

New member
Just replacing the piston, will that affect my balance?  I think I'm going to just replace the piston and run through the rest of the summer. Unless my research uncovers more work than I'm seeing.
 
J

jdeaton

New member
That was my thinking, also, I'll pull the piston across from #5 and match the new one to it.  Or really have my machine shop match it for me.  I'm going to plasti-gage the bearings from the two pistons I pull, if they are within tolerances, I'm going to run them.  My logic is they are already run in.  Any input on this reasoning?
 
73 Sanger Flat

73 Sanger Flat

Active member
Check piston weight against the other piston to the new one and if  they are close  , hone the cylinder and make sure nothing is under the valve seats .. I would put a new set of bearing on at least that one piston , because it might have taken a hard hit when that piston broke .Might have flatten the bearing ..  make sure that piece of piston is not inside the intake or the other head , it went some where . hopefully out the exhaust .It could go through an intake valve and it could find it way to another piston hole . It is amazing where parts and pices go when something breaks ..  Just look as best as you can .. Put it together and run it like you stole it ..

You still need to find where that water came it , maybe because you had it on the water hose ..

Hope you get it back together soon ..

 
Knotty Girl

Knotty Girl

New member
DiamondJim said:
That was my thinking, also, I'll pull the piston across from #5 and match the new one to it.  Or really have my machine shop match it for me.  I'm going to plasti-gage the bearings from the two pistons I pull, if they are within tolerances, I'm going to run them.  My logic is they are already run in.  Any input on this reasoning?
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Ready by Bay City?
 
J

jdeaton

New member
First question first, I don't know the compression.  We will try to figure that out when we have it torn down.  This is the first time we've had to look inside the engine.
No Henry, I don't get home until Thursday and will not have enough time to get the parts to the machine shop.  I have to pull the piston so the machine shop can order another one.  We will be in "Plan B" so there will be plenty of room for you and Karol.
 
J

jdeaton

New member
Ok, I'll touch base with you by cell so we can meet at the ramp.

Besides the wedding ring for the wife, it's the best money I ever spent.
 
Knotty Girl

Knotty Girl

New member
DiamondJim said:
Ok, I'll touch base with you by cell so we can meet at the ramp.

Besides the wedding ring for the wife, it's the best money I ever spent.
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Cool, you coming up Friday of Sat.?
 
J

jdeaton

New member
Meeting with the machine shop guy at Noon.  Have all the hurt parts (piston) with me and the cam, bore and stroke, and lifters.  Will decide later if I', going back together with the Ford or put the chevy back in the boat.  The Ford is showing to be more motor than I planned on.  The compression is too high to burn pump gas, and I don't want to haul fuel to the water.  And it will push the boat faster than my wife and I agreed on.  I was only allowed to go play with boats if I kept the speed under 90.  I will meet with some Mud racers that want to buy the Ford, and if the price is right I'll go with the Chevy.  More later.
 
K

KONA77

New member
DiamondJim said:
Meeting with the machine shop guy at Noon.  Have all the hurt parts (piston) with me and the cam, bore and stroke, and lifters.  Will decide later if I', going back together with the Ford or put the chevy back in the boat.  The Ford is showing to be more motor than I planned on.  The compression is too high to burn pump gas, and I don't want to haul fuel to the water.  And it will push the boat faster than my wife and I agreed on.  I was only allowed to go play with boats if I kept the speed under 90.  I will meet with some Mud racers that want to buy the Ford, and if the price is right I'll go with the Chevy.  More later.
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WOW... skeered of a little ol' FORD  :smile26:  :grin:
 
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