Classic/Antique Car Repair/Piston Removal

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/8/2010


Question
Hi Brad, I may have to replace piston rings on my 1950
plymouth flat head six. If I remove the head,oil pan and
oil sump pump,is it possible to remove connecting rod bearings and push pistons up from the bottom ?
                                      Thanks again, Frank

Answer
That is the only way that the piston will come out of this engine. However there may be a ridge at the top edge of the cylinder bore above the area of piston ring travel. If there is and you try to force the pistons beyond this ridge you have a chance of breaking the pistons. You should use a tool called a "ridge reamer" to remove this ridge before removing the pistons. Most tool rental places will have this tool for rent. If your local tool rental does not have one, check E bay, as right now there are several dozen listed starting at 99 cents.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.