The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 454 with 2 or 3 burned pistons

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

What does he mean by failed pistons? I'd think knowing the pistons are failed means the heads have already been pulled off, and getting the rest of the motor out might not be that big of deal.

On my motorhome I could remove the motor out the front rather than through the passenger compartment.

Also it would make sense to understand why it was running hot to make sure that problem is addressed before spending much on fixing the motor. It would be too bad to spend those bucks only to find the problem was caused by excess heat.

I agree ith OldSub! BB's do not like heat. My past experience with BB's is drop valves. I would find a way to pull, tear down & see at what extent of the damage is. Good luck!

do it once....do it right... he'll be sorry if he half a$$'$ it....

Hy J D Bob and guys, I agree with you, we have to know why they failed, and how close to failure are the rest of them. It's time to take the engine out and take it completely apart to evaluate what you actually have, you will be a lot happier in the long run, knowing exactly what kind of shape all the parts are in, do a quality job now, hope that helps.

That would be near impossible to do with it in the chassis. There vis a huge crossmember under it. I would get a reman from either Jaspers or G.M. They are expensive but so is breaking down on the highway. Burnt pistons are usually from too much spark timing.