So, I finally found a ring compressor that got the job done. Unfortunately there was collateral damage:





How bad is this going to screw me?


It's not super deep but it's an imperfection on the deck nonetheless.

 

Are you talking about that little ding outside of the sealing area?

 

It will be fine. Your OCD is going overtime. It didn't mark the sealing serface of the combustion chamber.

 

should be fine, but that block needs a lot more cleaning before you think about a gasket.

 

Thanks guys, just wanted to check. This is my first time installing pistons haha.

The block has actually been ultrasonically cleaned and is super smooth on the deck. I've tried lots of non-abrasives to no avail. It's just oil staining because the car sat in a field for more than 15 years with a bad HG. But I'm open to suggestions if there's something feasible.

 

Whose head gasket?

 

What kind of ring compressor do you have?

 

I thought those pistons looked familiar.

 

green scotchbrite and a little bit of oil...wipe it clean with a rag and brake cleaner

 

yes, scotchbrite! Oil or pb blaster. That surface isn't close to ready. I used an ultrasonic cleaner on some pistons recently, and it was highly ineffective.

 

You need high power ultrasonic for pistons and right solution at right temperature. I've mastered it and haven't had a piston come out dirty.

 

C'mon guys they are pistons, they are going to have carbon on them as soon as you use them.

 

 

The pistons and rods themselves are very clean and in good shape, I'm not really bothered to clean them up more than I already have. In fact, the block overall is VERY clean from the ultrasonic bath...it's just the damn deck that looks terrible from oil staining. Inside the water jackets are also stained but is physically clean (again, from the failed HG, milkshake sat in there since 1999).

The ring compressor I used was this one:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076EVZNE

I went back to see if something from the tool had stuck out and made the mark, couldn't really find anything. So still not sure what caused it but it's good to know it's not a big deal. I do have some other small marks on the inner edge of the bores, from the block's past life. I had asked about them earlier and people here told me they'll be fine.

As far as HG, I have 2 to choose from in front of me. A widefire, and a stock VR. I figured that I may as well go widefire since I have it sitting here, why not.