Dumb question.

[Huw Powell]

Mark Rutherford wrote:
>
> I bought a 87 4kcsq that did not run last week.  Turns out that it has a
> broken pistion.  Here is the dumb question part.  Can you replace one
> piston, with a used one from a similar engine.

Sure, just pull the head and oil pan, undo the big end bolts, pull
piston out, swap in good parts... it could be done "dirty" style pretty
quickly, for the cost of a few gaskets.  Wouldn't it be tempting to
replace all the rings, though, at the same time?  And how about some
head work, new exhaust manifold studs too?

But why not triple your expense and double your time investment and just
toss in a whole 'nother engine?  Use a 2.3 NF for simple 130 hp
conversion, or get loopy and drop in an MC turbo for "sky's the limit"
(well, 160 stock, 200 easy) power?

But seriously, you can do it.  I'd be tempted to use new rings and con
rod bearings at least for that cylinder.  Of course I have no real
experience upon which to base these recommendations.

Start by pulling the head and see how the motors guts look.  That would
be free except for your time, and pretty much necessary anyway, no
matter what you do.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/