Broke a piston in half!!! - Part 2

[richierevs]

I went to get the camshaft to send it to Chris (Hemi~C~) for the new engine build. While there I snapped these pics of my block and piston. Click on the links to view the pics.

You can see the marks on the side of the cylinder in this pic.

http://lxforums.com/board/album.php?...pictureid=5218

Here's the big pieces of the piston that are left.

http://lxforums.com/board/album.php?...pictureid=5219

I guess the piston got really slammed around.

[5.7SublimeDaytona]

Holy crap! what caused that?

[FlyByU]

Ouch, thanks for sharing.

[richierevs]

Holy crap! what caused that?

Here's the original thread:

Need Info on Short Blocks (a.k.a. Broke Piston Today)

Just proves how soft/fragile the OEM pistons are. I'll be going back on Monday to examine the heads, especially for cylinder #7. I'll also be checking for metal fragments in the passenger side header--there were plenty of fragments on the oil pan.

I'll post more pics next week.

[Hemi31]

make sure you clean out the intake manifold as well.....it's probably full of bits.

[richierevs]

make sure you clean out the intake manifold as well.....it's probably full of bits.

^^Agreed. What could go down (into the headers) could also go up (into the intake).

[sergeo'shemi]

so is this an excuse to go stroked?

[Sprayed Charger]

for sure

[richierevs]

so is this an excuse to go stroked?

I was really tempted, but I don't have the cash to do right (bore and stroke). However, I will have Diamond forged pistons and K1 billet connecting rods and Chris (Hemi~C~) is setting the rings so I can add a S/C later.

What matters now is whether I'll be able to use my existing camshaft and heads. The camshaft looked OK, but Chris is going to have it mic'd and scan'd. The heads are a different story. It all depends on whether there's damage to any of the valve seats. As Eric indicated in his OP, if the intake has debris (metal framents) then there's a good chance that other valve seats may have become compromised besides cylinder #7. After the heads are cleaned and the bent valves replaced, I'm going to have the heads pressure tested.

Anyway, I'll keep everyone posted on progress.

[richierevs]

Yesterday I had the chance to examine the heads. Aside from some minor dents at the top of cylinder #7 the heads look good. There aren't any sharp areas that could become "hot spots". Later this week the cylinder valves will be replaced and at that time the valve seats will be examined. I'm also pleased that all the valve locks are prestine--no visible signs of wear.

[CRS MSL]

Jeez.... I should have contacted you instead of Stu for blown pistons, that cracked one is a winner for sure!

[richierevs]

Jeez.... I should have contacted you instead of Stu for blown pistons, that cracked one is a winner for sure!

Yea, I guess this is my 15 minutes of fame.

[richierevs]

Well....Just learned from Chris (Hemi~C~) that my camshaft shows signs of excessive wear, so it's another piece for the scrap heap. I decided to order another HHP Stage II camshaft from Josh since it's a proven performer.

At this rate, I shouldn't be disappointed if my heads fail the pressure test.