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Author Topic: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L  (Read 1528 times)

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Offline dave1987

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Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« on: February 07, 2012, 02:53:28 PM »
I will be re-ringing the 73's 2.0 this spring and am looking a few different sources for tools, Harbor Freight being one of them.

They have a 4" piston ring compressor, but I'm curious if that is large enough for the 2.0's piston.

Also, do I need a set of piston ring pliers? They have a pair but it only opens to 3-15/16''.

I have never seen a 2.0 piston out of the motor before, so I am a little lost at this point.

1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

RSM

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2012, 04:27:21 PM »
The 2.0 bore is a tick over 3.5" so your ok with those tools. Here is a link to some info I found rather interesting.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317117

Offline 72pair

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2012, 07:28:55 PM »
Not to be discouraging, but I've seen a few 2000cc pistons out of the block... mostly in more than 1 piece. If they're original pistons I'd bet on worn ring lands and possibly a cracked skirt or two. I'd take a look before investing in a set of standard rings. My $0.02. JT
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Offline dave1987

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2012, 09:07:13 PM »
Thank you RSM! Great link, too!

I'm hoping for the best, since the car was well taken care of by the original owner before it passed and passed away. After that it sat in storage for about 12 years and only 93k miles on it.

if all else fails I hope to buy a debilitating motor from Walt.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

RSM

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2012, 10:15:07 PM »
I just kinda stumbled across that site...a lot of good info. If I'm reading that right you could make a 2.3 out of that engine.

Offline fast64ranchero

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2012, 08:24:04 AM »
Dave, if you run into any problems, I should have what you need, (from parts to tools)
What did you end up buying for rings, chrome, cast iron or moly? I think I have a set of new STD main bearings, and new cam bearings if you need them.
Walt
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Offline dave1987

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2012, 11:19:50 AM »
Hey Walt! I ended up buying a set of cast rings from one of the eBay links you posted in another thread of mine. I would have preceded moly but couldn't find a set in standard size. I'll let you know how the rebuild goes.

It may be a month or two before I can start the rebuild though as I am moving soon. My parents are letting us move into their house and pay the same rent we do now. Good part is there are more bedrooms, a washer and drier, huge backyard, and I will have the garadge with all of the tools to!
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline 71hotrodpinto

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2012, 02:47:25 PM »
Hey there, be carfull of what rings you purchase. The moly faced coated rings (should you decide to use them) are great however they require a very smooth bore honed with about 400-500 grit. That way the break in is almost immediate. Most all ring sets that you purchase will have a recommended grit to use on the hone.
 
 I made the mistake once of just using the standard engine hone (280grit) on my bores then putting TOTAL SEAL ring set on the pistons. They sealed great originally but i didn't pay attention to the roughness of the bore. Great for Cast iron or even Chrome rings, but detrimental to moly faced rings. I ruined the ring seal in about 15,000 miles.
Just food for thought!
 


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Offline dave1987

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Re: Tools for piston work on a 2.0L
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2012, 04:04:58 PM »
Thank you! These are things I didn't get to do on my 78's 2.3. The pistons and crank were already in by the time I got to help with rebuilding.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!