360 pistons??

[GoDartGo]

I just tore down my first 360 and took the pistons off the rods and found that not all pistons are the same width on the flat part of the skirt.
Some vary a 1/16th, and then there are three that are at least a 1/4" wider
across.
Then I see that on the small end of the rods, the balance pads vary in length.
I mean that one is like a 1/2" or more and one might be barely an 1/8th inch
high.
I know that the 360 is externaly balanced. could this be why the rod bearings were toast and EVERYTHING else in the engine looked new.

Shawn

 

[rumblefish360]

That sounds real weird. Though I never measured the OE or what ever slugs came out of a engine, I just proceeded right to the plan which never included the pistons that the engine came with. Allways stock OE parts I've had.

 

[GoDartGo]

I never did either until they stuck out like a sore thumb!

 

[green1]

That ain't right; used engine?

 

[GoDartGo]

came out of a 78 low mile motor home. barely a ridge in the cylinders, and they are still 4" round by my guage. The crank mains and rods journals haven't been cut. Even the freeze plugs look new.
I almost didn't touch it. I was just gonna put it in my Dart. But I wanted to check the rod bearings while it was out. They were toasted.