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1931 Model 57 piston removal


Mark Shaw

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Does anybody know if the number 6 piston can be removed from the bottom of a 1931 50 series engine? Only that one rod bearing is bad and I would like to avoid removing the head. My Specifications and adjustments manual doesn't seem to cover this procedure.

Thanks,

Mark Shaw

Vancouver, WA

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hello Mark. Nice to hear you have a 1931 model 57. I have a 1931 model 54 and did a lot of mechanic work on it. (if you want to have an impression: look at the memberscars on the BCA-site). Indeed, as you have experienced, you can remove the piston and rod from the bottomside. And I understand you don't want to remove the head, because it's a lot of work. But I have to disappoint you: it is impossible to assemble it from the bottomside without damaging the rings. There is no way to compress the rings with a bushing or so because the space is too tight to slide such a bushing back along the rod. Using your fingers is not a great idea too. So I think you need to remove the head. Please let us know your experience on this. I am still learning. Best regards and good luck. Alex Veen, lexveen@hetnet.nl

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As I said: I am still learning every day. Though that it was possible to fit the piston and rings from below in a model 90 engine is not a garantee it will be possible in a model 50 engine. Compared to a 90 engine the 50 engine is small inside and you have only millimeters space to (dis)assemble. But maybe.. Mark: please let me know if you succeed.

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Yup, it's done and is currently sitting on display at the Northwest Car Collector's Show in Portland OR.

I did it using only my fingers to compress each ring as I pushed up on the rod with one hand. I cut a deep groove in the end of one finger in the process, but it worked. Now I can truthfully say I have blood sweat and tears in that car!

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  • 2 weeks later...

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