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I was finally able to remove one of the stuck pistons in my 216. Why I removed it I found some nasty looking damage on the piston.

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Now I assume that piston is unusable? I have yet to remove the rest of them, but assuming they are all good, is it OK to replace just one piston? For that matter, is it possible to get a 216 piston for a block that has been bored over .060"?

The engine hasn't run in over 35 years, so I have no idea if it ran with the piston like that. Although I doubt it could have

I think the best thing for You to do is just get a good 216 from some where there are a bunch of them out there most are going to the 235 or putting in V8's ( not Me I'm keeping My 216 ) it is not worth it to build on an engine that is already 60 over , You can get a 216 for free or real cheap just look around .




Pete

When I redid my 216, I bought new old aluminum pistons on Ebay. There are usually more oversize parts available than standard size.

I have bought pistons from these guys. They go to 80 over if yours will clean up at that. http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.asp?ZTM=cadegiia&GHOME=www.egge.com&TITLE=Egge

That doesn't look that bad.
If there is a burr then file it off, but if it has already been run like that it's probably good to go again.

I'll second the suggestion to find another good used cheap engine, and that one 0.060" over is not likely worth a rebuild. In most cases unless you want completely original none of the old babbitt engines are worth a rebuild. Then If you do rebuild an engine the 235's and 261's still make more sense.

If you just want an engine to run, check the clearances, and if OK stick it back together and see what you have.

Grigg

I.ll would find another 216 block to use for a rebuild.


Jimmy

During your disassembly it is important to determine what caused that damage and if there is more internal damage. A replacement engine may be the easiest and cheapest option.

I agree with Grigg, the mark on the piston doesn't look too serious on a low revving motor like a 216.

If there's no other damage just free up the piston rings and put it back together to see how it runs while you look round for a better motor to use for your rebuild.

Stuart.

The chip doesn't concern me that much, but there looks like there is corrosion at the top ring. I would clean up the groove and see if it is within specs. Also make sure the piston is still round at the bottom. We used to knurl them, but its hardly worth it. Also check your bore. I use a dial indicator, but a simple way is to remove a ring and then reinstall the piston and lay the ring on top of the pistonand measure the ring gap variations as it moves up and down. If you are satisfied with everything and just decide to only rering it, break the glaze and cross hatch it, and wash it with warm soapy water. Use only cast iron rings. Any other rings will never seat unless the bore is almost perfect.

I cannot conceive what internal part of the engine got struck by this piston skirt? It appears this damage might have been caused by someone hammering upward on the piston skirt with a long drift punch or bar in an attempt to drive up and out a stuck piston?? In any case I concure, a 60 over engine is pretty much done her job and needs to retire. If you elect to rebuild and reinstall a replacement 216 rather than opt for the easy / sleazy 235 swap out, I recommend replacing the original babbet connecting rods with the upgraded bearing insert rods. This will increase the integrity of the engine and make further overhauls (if needed) a breeze. No shimming required!!