The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop original pistons?

Is it possible that my 1953 GMC 228 has original pistons? The block number matches my registration.

I had to pull the head due to a possible head gasket leak but now I think it a cracked head at #3 exhaust port. With the head removed I see marking on the pistons and block deck that I dont understand. Each piston is numbered 1 through 6 in order, that part is easy. When standing on the drivers side of the vehicle, the left side of the piston has a "6" and slightly higher to the right is a "9", each of the pistons have the exact same "6"&"9".

The next numbers are hard to describe how they are arranged. On the block deck next to each cylinder is a 5 5 5 6 4 5 and there is a stamp in each piston with the matching number.

I dont think a engine rebuilder would go through this much trouble stamping pistons and the block deck.

Any thoughts?

It's possible they are the original pistons, but I don't think the factory would have marked them either. An over sized piston would be marked with the oversize -10, -20, -60, etc..

My guess, strictly a guess, would be that someone re-ringed the motor. The numbers 5 5 5 6 4 5 would be cylinder taper, but have no idea why the pistons would also be marked. Perhaps someone can add to this that has more experience than I do.

ttt

Larry

I would assume the pistons are orginal because they are numbered in order. My were also numbered 1 through 6 on my 41' chevy the other numbers though have not a clue.