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General Category => The Interceptor Gang => Topic started by: Dandb7 on February 26, 2016, 05:11:00 AM

Title: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: Dandb7 on February 26, 2016, 05:11:00 AM

What do you guys think about bead blasting or soda blasting used pistons ?

Anyone ever installed such  pistons ?  Is this recommended and what would be the advantages or disadvantages...?

Thanks for sharing your experience...

Regards

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: gixxer6 on February 26, 2016, 06:59:01 AM

I have reused pistons with good results.  I clean them really good with a scotchbrite pad and carb cleaner and check all the tolerances.  If it all checks out, there's no reason you can't reuse the hunk of aluminum. 

I wouldn't bead blast them.  It would only take one little bead left on the piston to completely ruin your day.  The risk outweighs the benefits. 

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: mswyka on February 26, 2016, 05:43:42 PM

Thinking about this for a minute, my sense is that there is no good reason to re-use pistons.  Pistons and plugs should be considered throw-a-way items.  After going to all the work to take the engine apart, clean it up, buy new gaskets and seals, why re-use the single wear part that is most critical to the engine running?  Granted, if they measure within tolerance and look good, there is no reason that they could not be put back in.  But if it comes to the question of blasting, they must need some significant cleaning.  Since aftermarket pistons cost about $35 each - compared to the other costs in rehabbing a sled, they are worth the investment.

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: Dandb7 on February 26, 2016, 06:26:04 PM

Thanks for your input guys.....your comments make a lot of sense..!

I was just thinking that since original 550 pistons are hard to come by, maybe trying to save a couple used ones might be worth it....

But when you think about it, a set of Image jet ski pistons will only set you back a couple hundred bucks.....a lot less than a top end rebuild....!

Also,  NOS 550 pistons hardly ever come by for sale...and the price well.....$$$....

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: Interceptor398 on February 28, 2016, 03:05:22 PM

550 pistons I would re use just because they are a little hard to come by.  You can get the re pop ones but they are a little spendy.

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: Gilson435 on March 02, 2016, 07:51:50 AM

I have bead blasted pistons that had light scoring with good results!! I worked at a Polaris Dealer back in the late 90's and that's where I learned to do that. Never had a problem. Yes, clean them up good in solvent and then hot soapy water and then wipe them with a clean rag with tranny oil on it. 8)

Title: Re: Bead blasting used pistons
Post by: sprocket on March 21, 2016, 08:04:47 PM

Pistons should be thrown away lol not heck I've welded a couple back up because of non  existing then  proper machine work, bead blast, emery cloth the rings and clean all parts with cleaner put back in the engine runs great