I am writing this question on behalf of my brother-in-law. He has a motor home that is powered by a 454. It just blew at least 2 and maybe 3 pistons. He is considering replacing just these failed pistons, rings, etc. The engine shows about 65,000 miles but is 15-20 years old. Its past maintenance, storage history and use is unknown.
Last summer he had it out in west Texas from Michigan and had to have a new, larger radiator fabricated to get the tempature down into an acceptable operating range. Previously it had always been runnig very hot but never boiled over. He wants to rebuild while the engine is still in the motorhome. To pull engine he would have to first pull it up into motorhome and then out the door.
I told him that before he does all that work on just those 2 or 3 cylinders he should consider the following:
1. Power difference in these rebuilt cylinders vs. the other 5 or 6 that would not be rebuilt could cause problems with balance, power, another weak link, etc.
2. Having to go back in again to do other cylinders would double labor and consumable parts like gasket kits and other parts not related to the dead cylinder(s).
I have no dog in this fight. I just don't want him to be penny wise and pound foolish. If I am way off base in concerns just tell me so, I have very thick skin and can take the heat!
Thanks to all,
Bob
