I got these used pistons for a good price. After inspecting them I see a little damage to one of them. I know a lot of people are against installing used pistons, but for the price it was worth a shot. Do any of you think this will cause some problems down the line?

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9511858...n/photostream/

 

To me it is never worth a shot when it comes to engine internals,not trying to risk pulling this thing again after i get it running.I hate working twice,but thats just me

 

That is usually how I feel as well. But they were too cheap to pass up. Now I see why they were. Luckily I have 2.5 years left in the UK to build it.

 

Are you talking about the knick at the bottom of the skirt?


These are press fit wrist pins right? If the rods have been removed already, I would not run them. Too easy to damage the piston when removing the pin.

Not worth the risk.

 

I agree with the 98vtec not worth the risk. BUT you could if you give zerofucks sandpaper and run it i dont think you'll have an issue tbh.

 

Luckily I contacted the distributor with pictures and he is giving me a replacement free of charge.

 

It depends how the pistons were pressed off of the rods. If they were properly removed with the correct arbor (see any HELM manual) you should be good to go. Most machine shops do not remove pressed in pins with the intention of re-using the pistons though, and damage/distortion can and does happen... Even if it's hard to detect. If you can't verify how they were disassembled, I'd pass.

That damage to the piston you showed would be deal breaker #2 for me. Sounds like you already figured that out though.

I have no idea if they're still available or not, but Spoon used to sell a weight matched set of P73-00 pistons with rings & pins for about the same price (even a little cheaper) as a set of pistons from the dealer. They also were available in .25mm oversize, which is something you need to consider when building a 12-20 year old motor. You're more than likely going to take out close to .25 getting the cylinders round and finished. I paid about $325 for mine, but that was 2001 or so.

Considering the amount of money that gets dumped into a proper rebuild, it's a small price to pay.

 

Agreed. I bought this B18 off of eBay here in England for a good price. I brought it home that night and tore it apart. Everything internally looked great. Thanks for all of the opinions. Much appreciated.