I’m going to disagree that those marks are piston locator marks. I blew up the first picture and you can clearly see fresh shinny metal on the piston and displaced metal on the block.
I would pull the head to see what is really going on. It only the cost of a few gaskets and few hours of time.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum