John, yeah that's what we did. We figured it was gonna get beat on one way or another and either break all the rings, break the piston or break LOOSE! We were a little spooked because as lack of luck would have it, the piston was ALMOST at bottom dead center (thank geese it wasn't or there would not have been any way to get it to go down OR up). But we had about 3/4 of an inch of travel left downward so we just kept smackin' it. Like I said, my brother had found a pine post that was almost a perfect fit in that cylinder and was nice and square on the bottom to fit the piston top and we happened to have a 2 pound hammer to 'tap' it with. Didn't get real WILD hitting it, just three or four good 'raps' on the post every hour or so and I think we may have rapped on another 'free' piston or two also in the process (to get upward thrust on the rusty one also). I think my brother and I both tried to wiggle the piston back and forth in it's hole but it was hard to reach and I don't THINK that this did anything except make us feel better. Only thing I would sugget on yours is to use some form of VERY thin penetrating oil. You want something that can easily penetrate past those rings. Also, you can't have my mom's paring knife, but get a razor blade or exacto knife and cut into that piston to cylinder wall space to get the penetrating oil started. Don't forget, this is a TERRIBLE way to conduct engine repair, and most mechanics are cringing and sweating at most of my posts, but I grew up with coat hanger wire exhaust hangers, duct tape seat covers, vise grip door handles and having to park on a hill because the starter was bad for a lot of 'lean' years... Love every memory too!
