I have a 900 which I think has a 05 piston on 1 side and a 06 on the other. Assuming I do, when I replace the 05 piston what should I do with the 06 piston? Do nothing, change rings, change piston and rings. I haven't checked compression on it yet.
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Piston Inspection
Check piston for scoring or cracks in piston crown or pin
area. Excessive carbon buildup below the ring lands is an
indication of piston, ring or cylinder wear. For Liberty engines, measure piston outside diameter at a point 3/8” (10mm) up from the bottom of the skirt at a 90_ angle
to the direction of the piston pin.
NOTE: The piston must be measured at this point to provide accurate piston to cylinder measurements.
Subtract this measurement from the minimum cylinder measurement recorded previously when you recorded the cylinder measurements. If clearance exceeds the service limit, replaced if Nicasil plated and new pistons and rings installed.
Ring End Gap:
Position the ring 1/2" (1.3 cm) from the top of the cylinder
using the piston to push it squarely into place. Measure
installed gap with a feeler gauge at both the top and
bottom of the cylinder.
NOTE: A difference in end gap indicates cylinder
taper. The cylinder should be measured for
excessive taper and out-of-round.
Replace rings if the installed end gap exceeds the service limit.
Always check piston ring installed gap after reboring
a cylinder or when installing new rings.
Cylinder Honing
The cylinder bore must be de-glazed whenever new piston
rings are installed.
A light honing with fine stones removes
only a very small amount of material. A proper
crosshatch pattern is important to provide a surface that
will hold oil, and allow the rings to seat properly. If the
crosshatch is too steep, oil retention will be reduced. A
crosshatch angle which is too shallow will cause ring vibration,
poor sealing, and overheating of the rings due to
blow-by and reduced contact with the cylinder wall. Service
life of the pistons and rings will be greatly reduced.
NOTE: A Nicasil cylinder can be lightly honed with a
diamond hone but can NOT be oversized.
Cleaning The Cylinder After Honing
It is very important that the cylinder be thoroughly cleaned
after honing to remove all grit material. Wash the cylinder
in a solvent, then in hot soapy water. Pay close attention
to areas where the cylinder sleeve meets the aluminum
casting (transfer port area). Use electrical contact cleaner
if necessary to clean these areas. Rinse thoroughly, dry
with compressed air, and oil the bore immediately with
Polaris Premium 2 Cycle Lubricant.
NOTE: Always check piston to cylinder clearance
and piston ring installed gap after honing or boring
is complete
BTW... How many total miles on the engine and have you had any crank or case work done or warranty engine parts replacement?
Do you know for sure?? I still find it hard to believe that you have a mis-match situation and the sled ran ok.