SouthBend A Stuck Piston

[stanley]

I have used grease to move pistons as well however I would consider it a last resort with risks.The first time I did it I cracked the cylinder bore.On old motors the wall can be weakened by rust on the water jacket side,

[Tubs]

joecb wrote:

Tubs, Good info.  Looks like you would have had to block off the intake passage too once the piston moved down a little way.

And another caution for Tim, from his photo, looks like the cylinder is from an opposed twin, hence the off-set conn rod. This will present an issue if attempting to pull on the rod, as it not a straight pull like on Tubs cylinder. Even more likely to damage the rod.

Joe B

The assembly pictured is from a 1924 Johnson
Model B having off-set connecting rods.
Tubs.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[george-emmanuel]

I recently removed 2 pistons for a new member. Fabricated a puller with cable going around the wrist pins so no pressure was applied to the rod and used eye bolts. I did weld the eye bolts so they wouldn’t open during tension. The frame I made is well away from the cylinder flange to keep pressure from breaking a flange. Got both pistons out and saved the rings….but as everyone has said so far, take your time.

[T….in Wisconsin]

Disappointed to report I was not able to salvage the jug.

Rust and corrosion had weakened the water jacket which cracked when I applied heat.

Piston & rings are most likely in poor condition also.

Sidelining this project for colder weather.

Thank you to all for taking the time to share your information.

[joecb]

Tim, don’t give up on it yet. If the crack is just on the outside of the water jacket the jug may be usable. Since that kind of a crack won’t be contaminated with oil, maybe seal with a penetrating anaerobic like LocTite green wicking grade. Just water and no pressure there.

Joe B

[Author]

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