Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

I bought my car knowing it had broken the timing belt once before, and so I wasn't surprised to see the nicks on the pistons from the valves when I did my ARP studs. I just left them there, and obviously the car didn't start on fire or explode. Now that I'm rebuilding my engine (ghetto stock rebuild) I was wondering if I could get by with just deburring and smoothing out the nicks on the pistons. Or will the uncoated part of the pistons create hot spots, and therefore premature detonation? Or, can I clean up the pistons and have a car that will be OK?

Re: Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

Get a pic up of how bad they are. You should be able to smooth off the high spot and be ok if they aren't too bad.

Re: Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

Make sure valves didn't hit close to the edge of pistons. they can bind rings.

Re: Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

They hit the same spot every time. Deburr them, they'll be fine.

Re: Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

If they hit enough times next time they won't touch ... lol j/k

i say hit it up with a buffer and you'll be fine ...

Re: Damaged Pistons. Reuse?
 

Sorry I was slow to reply, but thanks for the responses.