How do I remove stubborn pistons / cylinders?, Success!! Options

[ArtechnikA]

Just curious- would a cutting torch work?

Hmmm - molten aluminum, burning steel, excess of oxygen.
Check out 'Thermite reaction' and then decide if this is a good idea ;-)

I think I'd sooner try to split the cylinders with a rotary cutoff disk...

[rwilner]

I think I'd sooner try to split the cylinders with a rotary cutoff disk...

Not sure this would net me a lot because they'd still be rust-bonded to the pistons. Plus, it would be pretty tough to cut through the underside of the cylinder without damaging the case.

I think i'll keep trying to beat the piston into the cylinder after another PB / ATF / acetone soaking.

Good thing I am not in a rush.

[Rex-n-effect]

I feel your pain! Cupomeat's picture looks like factory fresh compared to what i was working with. Patience, persistence in the proper position and good arm strength will net you the results you need. Good luck!!!!!

[ArtechnikA]

I think I'd sooner try to split the cylinders with a rotary cutoff disk...

Not sure this would net me a lot because they'd still be rust-bonded to the pistons. Plus, it would be pretty tough to cut through the underside of the cylinder without damaging the case.

Yes, but ...

Technically, they're rust-bonded to the piston rings. With a big slot down the side, you will have broken any residual ring tension you might have had. But the big plus is that right now, your penetrants can't get to the #2 or oil ring because they have to get through the top ring first. So you're providing a lovely path to get penetrants directly to all the rings.

And yes, you can only get 'near' the base of the cylinder, but that may be enough. Best-case is all your pistons are at mid-stroke. Worst-case is two are at TDC and two are at BDC - that will really limit your access to those.

[LotusJoe]

So with some less-than-gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet, I got the heads off my 1.7 core.

This engine didn't turn over and it's obvious why...the cylinders have rust on the inside and the pistons will not budge. I need to get the Ps and Cs off and I don't care if I damage them as they're toast anyway, but I need to keep the case pristine as this is what I'll be using for my rebuild (really it's why I bought the core).

So, any tricks to free up and remove the pistons and cylinders? More persuasion with a rubber mallet? Gallons of PB blaster? Mild explosive?

A can of Coca Cola poured into each cylinder...let soak over night. Real Coke not Diet or Generic. I've freed up a lot of engines over the years.

[jcambo7]

So with some less-than-gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet, I got the heads off my 1.7 core.

This engine didn't turn over and it's obvious why...the cylinders have rust on the inside and the pistons will not budge. I need to get the Ps and Cs off and I don't care if I damage them as they're toast anyway, but I need to keep the case pristine as this is what I'll be using for my rebuild (really it's why I bought the core).

So, any tricks to free up and remove the pistons and cylinders? More persuasion with a rubber mallet? Gallons of PB blaster? Mild explosive?

A can of Coca Cola poured into each cylinder...let soak over night. Real Coke not Diet or Generic. I've freed up a lot of engines over the years.

It's amazing we even drink that stuff too... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I use it(coca cola) to clean of my uniforms and rags when they get too greasy and oily. It works great.

[ArtechnikA]

It's amazing we even drink that stuff too... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I use it(coca cola) to clean of my uniforms and rags when they get too greasy and oily. It works great.

The tree-huggers made the detergent manufacturers pull phosphorus out of their products - but it's not the only source. I guess it's OK for the environment if it's been processed by a person first.

Which kinda begs the question - if it's phosphoric and carbonic acid you're after, why not just use Ospho and get it in higher concentration ?

[r_towle]

You are already trashing the pistons, get a hole saw and take out the top.....
Or, turn it on its side and fill each cylinder with coke....keep doing that till it will breake free.
Remember.....you really only need one side to come off....then you can unbolt the case and remove the rod bolts for the oTher side

[rwilner]

the coke trick worked! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Well, coke, plus whacking the living s$!t out of it with a piece of 2x4 and oak dowels, then using a big steel drift.

ONWARD!

[rwilner]

the coke trick worked! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Well, coke, plus whacking the living s$!t out of it with a piece of 2x4 and oak dowels, then using a big steel drift.

ONWARD!

[euro911]

Congrats.

I guess the old saying, "things go better with coke", is true (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)



I'll have to try that on a couple of seized-up IDFs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[rwilner]

If this failed, my next step was to ask my phd chemist buddy to mix me up some 2M phosphoric acid, which is the "active ingredient" in coke that makes it do its thing.