The Ford Barn

Hank Z · 02-20-2016, 11:49 AM

I have cracked piston. I was cleaning the carbon off the top of them and noticed a small crack. The intake valve was not seating properly on that cylinder causing the backfiring. In general, what could be some of the causes for the piston to be cracked?

jrapose · 02-20-2016, 12:27 PM

Using starting fluid can crack a piston or water will do it too.... what has happened is that at one time too much pressure was developed....in the ole days we used a fine spray of water to decarbon a chamber...but you had to be careful not to spray too much water or you would risk cracking a piston....water flashes into steam and removes carbon deposits.... at one time you might have had a leaking head gasket..that does it too.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-20-2016, 02:37 PM

I've seen burned pistons, and one piston with a crack in the skirt, but don't ever recall seeing a crack in the top of a piston.

Hank Z · 02-22-2016, 04:42 PM

thanks for your responses. I think I may look for another engine as i am seeing other issues as well.

Synchro909 · 02-22-2016, 04:58 PM

If there is a crack in the top of the piston, I suspect you got it just in time. It would have broken very soon and caused a whole lot more pain It doesn't surprise me that you are finding other issues. Sounds like another motor or a rebuild is in order.

tbirdtbird · 02-22-2016, 07:34 PM

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too much advance leading to detonation which is very destructive

02-20-2016, 11:49 AM	#1
Hank Z Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 4	Cracked Piston I have cracked piston. I was cleaning the carbon off the top of them and noticed a small crack. The intake valve was not seating properly on that cylinder causing the backfiring. In general, what could be some of the causes for the piston to be cracked?

02-20-2016, 12:27 PM	#2
jrapose Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 249	Re: Cracked Piston Using starting fluid can crack a piston or water will do it too.... what has happened is that at one time too much pressure was developed....in the ole days we used a fine spray of water to decarbon a chamber...but you had to be careful not to spray too much water or you would risk cracking a piston....water flashes into steam and removes carbon deposits.... at one time you might have had a leaking head gasket..that does it too.

02-20-2016, 02:37 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Cracked Piston I've seen burned pistons, and one piston with a crack in the skirt, but don't ever recall seeing a crack in the top of a piston.

02-22-2016, 04:42 PM	#4
Hank Z Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 4	Re: Cracked Piston thanks for your responses. I think I may look for another engine as i am seeing other issues as well.

02-22-2016, 04:58 PM	#5
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 8,044	Re: Cracked Piston If there is a crack in the top of the piston, I suspect you got it just in time. It would have broken very soon and caused a whole lot more pain It doesn't surprise me that you are finding other issues. Sounds like another motor or a rebuild is in order. __________________ I sometimes wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions. Even at my age, I still like to look at a young, attractive woman but I can't really remember why.

02-22-2016, 07:34 PM	#6
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Cracked Piston Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) too much advance leading to detonation which is very destructive __________________ '31 180A