removing pistons

[38operacoupe]

Hi,I am looking for tips/advise on removing connecting rods and pistons on a 322 flathead.What is the best position and removing end cap from the connecting rods.
Thanks Ron

[Dave Shepherd]

Is this engine seized or just normal disassembly?

[38operacoupe]

normal disassembly ,its a bit harder than normal I cant really spin the engine in the stand its to heavy!!!

[Steve Passmore]

You have to be able to turn the crankshaft over Ron to remove each rod as you cannot get at the cap bolts until the crank is in a particular position for each rod. The pistons then remove up through the bore. You will need a really good 3/16" socket which is also very thin walled to get at the cap bolts because they are well recessed and round off very very easily.

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

Ron,

What year LaSalle? The early 1937 had screw fasteners which takes a special tool. The later is a 7/16", which again has a special tool.

After that they went to normal fasteners so you could use regular sockets.

Let me know since I have all those special tools.

The Johnny

[Steve Passmore]

What do you have for the bolts John?

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

Steve,

Will take a few pictures and post.

Got grandkids over this week while daughter and husband are in Mexico. So with a 3 and 5 year old life is now more exciting than I like.

The Johnny

[Fred Pennington 25635]

Check to see if you have a ridge or lip at the top of the cylinder. It is more likely then not you have one.
You will need to ream out the ridge to remove the pistons without damage.
If you don't have a reamer they are not expensive and some auto parts stores will rent or loan you one.

Good luck