331 Vets needed for rotating assembly advice

Gentlemen,
Pulled the oil pan from my 53 Caddy to do a rear main and found parts of a piston skirt in the bottom of the pan. Piston #6 is toast. From what I've been told, pistons were a common failure on these engines. Does anyone know the specs on the standard piston so I can check and see if its standard or oversize? Do you think I can get away with just replacing the piston and cruising?

53 Cadillac series 62 Sedan

 

If it's oversize, it will be stamped on the top (+0.020, etc).
The piston failure may be caused by insufficient cooling, but I don't know about 331"s in particular.
Do a compression test on the rest in case you have any other bad cylinders, & check the dud bore for scoring and wear, etc.
Remove any ridge, and If the bore is ok, a light hone would be OK.
The hard part is finding 1 correct size piston and matching rings.
You will probably have to buy a set of rings to use just one.

 

Bump to the top


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I have done similar to a '99 4.0 Jeep engine, new std piston, bore had no ridge and used the old rings too

 

Does anyone know where I can get open stock piston rings?


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kanter--they also sell single pistons.


if you still need specs let me know and I'll pull my service manual and check.

 

I've ordered the upper assembly gaskets, need to order the piston, rings and rod bearing next...


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Here's some pictures of the carnage.



And remember kids, always stay organized.




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