Never Doing Another Project !!

This isn't the one that was in the truck. This is the original

 

One step forward three steps back

 

What would cause this damage in 4 of 6 pistons ???

 

Detonation? Lean mixture or advanced timing?

 

Sucking in water while fording with the rpms high?

 

Water to ice to crack to shrapnel. Damhik

 

Ethanol blends are apparently suspected of causing Low Speed Pre-Ignition. It seems the phenomenon is noy completely understood yet. Most papers on it are focused on turbo engines, and say the issue happens at low speed and high loads. Curiously some say the solution is to increase pressure, not decrease it as we may assume. I guess this is what is unique about this latest way to ruin engines with detonation.

Consider that most turbo engines run a low static CR (8:1, 9:1) and the problem happens at low speeds (low boost so essentially normally aspirated), high loads (lugging up a hill) and it may seem plausible that our engines are operating exactly in that environment. But nobody would bother to write a research paper on ethanol's effect on 50 yr old Jeep engines.

 

And some say LSPI is caused by changes to the motor oil detergent package.
Direct Injection Piston Damage? Check Your Oil - Hot Rod Engine Tech

 

Broken top rings. I don't know what caused them to break. I pulled an old Ford flathead V8 down that had this same issue. That one I believe was caused from rust in the cylinder walls from sitting, then starting it up and putting it into service. Did this engine sit for some time before running it again?
-Donny

 

Yes it did

 

It's that time-saver he has, shown in the same photo.

John, I'm glad you are going original, the Super-Hurricane has enough power to get the truck around and even pass some folks on the highway. It does respond pretty well to a little boost in compression ratio though so you might think about shaving a head a little. Not too much of course or you shroud valves.
I'd also suggest you get out a die-grinder and sensitive scale, you can do a nice job of balancing your rods and pistons yourself and save a ton of money over having a shop do it. It's not like you are going to be winding your motor way out but careful balance work sure does make the low end sweet!

 

Got all the parts cleaned up and painted, valve areas are pitted pretty good, going to work on that tomorrow and lap the valves

 

I decided to bring both blocks to the machine shop. Didn't like the pitting in the valve seats and one cylinder had some discoloration. Turns out they said the block with the damaged pistons was the better block. It also had the hardened valve seats already from the factory.
So what they are doing is boring out all the cylinders, removing the broken head bolts, regrinding valve seats and lapping valves, magnaflux and hot tank for 300.00 I will need to order oversized pistons and rings. Money money money

 

My dream garage slowly coming together

 

I Like the Rocker also.

 

Friend at work has a Willys wagon with same paint scheme. Small lift, Buick 350. Selling it for some reason. $15.5

 

John, if you pull your truck up a bit there’s room for yet another project

 

I would need that spot for a bed as my wife would throw me out