Well, for one thing the cost of a new set of pistons from Moss is between
$350 and $425 (Perhaps you can do better than that.) while most machinists
will perform the measurements for nothing and the balancing for about $125
(static and dynamic). The cost of parts for these engines is not trivial, so
if the used pieces are not damaged or worn beyond spec. why replace them? I
realize that money is not an object for some, but I am not among that
fortunate group. I consider it a waste to replace parts just to be able to
say they are new. With some exceptions, I have as much confidence in a good
used part (It's survived over 50 years already.) as I do in a new one that
may be crap out of the box.
I know that the common wisdom is that all parts need to be replaced whenever
you rebuild an engine, but I've never really been convinced whether that is
best practice or just good marketing.
Pulling on my asbestos drawers,
Bill Lawrence
>From: David Nock <healeydoc@sbcglobal.net>
>To: WILLIAM B LAWRENCE <ynotink@msn.com>
>CC: genski434@comcast.net, healeys@autox.team.net
>Subject: Re: Need some help
>Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 08:25:21 -0800
>
>If you are going to go tho the effort to have all the pistons out and
>inspect and weight them all to match them all up to the used piston why
>not just do it right and install a new set. After all the other used
>pistons in the engine have been there just as long as the one that went
>bad.
>
>
>
>
>David Nock
>British Car Specialists
>Stockton Ca 95205
>209-948-8767
>
>www.britishcarspecialists.com
>.
>.
>
>On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:01 PM, WILLIAM B LAWRENCE wrote:
>
>>I guess I'm just not up for absolutes. And with due respect to David's
>>knowledge and experience on the topic, I think the answer is that it's a
>>bad idea to mix used pistons unless you can be sure that they are all in
>>the same condition (within specification) and that they are matched in
>>weight.
>>
>>If you are going to install used parts (for whatever reason) they should
>>be inspected and measured to assure they are within the manufacturer's
>>specifications and that they are not damaged in any other way (you know,
>>like being cracked) The weight question will be addressed by the
>>machinist when he statically balances the reciprocating assemblies. A
>>step that should not be left out.
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