I need stock, new or good used, piston pins in the std size to fit 1937 LaSalle.
According to the chassis manual, 36-39 have the same part number for the V8
I need at least three.
Thanks
bpowell
I have some used ones. I also have a full new set at 2 thou oversize.
Hi Steve,
Used is good, as long as they aren't worn bad or corroded.
I need stock size because my custom pistons are made for them. According to Ross pistons, the pin size for those was odd. There aren't any new pins in that size currently made. My old pins with the exception of three are fine.
I would be delighted to get a new set in std. size if anyone has any.
Bill
Quote from: bpowell on September 09, 2017, 01:43:49 PM
Hi Steve,
the pin size for those was odd. There aren't any new pins in that size currently made.
Bill
That's odd Bill. Many places selling pistons and pins so they are obviously being manufactured.
Have you tried Terrill Machine or Falcon Global who advertise pistons and pins if they would sell you just the pins? I have some old ones but would probably cost more than their worth to send half way around the world.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LaSalle-322-Conversion-Cadillac-346-Pistons-Rings-Kit-Set-1937-1948-/190748364771?fits=Make%3ACadillac&hash=item2c697d0fe3:m:mZna9K4WkCSoJuQBuSttTuA&vxp=mtr
Struck me as odd also.
I think I just figured out what happened.
According to the shop manuals the pin diameters are the same for both the 37 and the 46 engine, but mine are not.
The 37 had the original Cadillac pistons in it, but it had obviously been worked on, after measuring both pins it seem that someone installed .004 oversize pins in my 37 engine sometime in the past.
I supplied one of these pistons to Ross to make new ones for me, and them not knowing any better, thought that was the standard size for the pin. So, my new pistons are honed for .004 oversize pins.
So, what I actually need is some .004 oversize pins. They can be from any flathead. The newer engines have slightly longer pins, but i could get them ground to length.
I will check with EGGE and Terrill and see if they can help.
Bill
Well Bill, shows how long it's been since I last looked at this stuff. Just got the box of the oversized pins off the shelf and mic'd them up. Standard pins are 7/8" or 0.875" These are 0.885" so 10 thou over. Not 2 as I remember. Brand new. Doubt you will find 4 over.
The parts book shows .004 was supplied. I'll do some looking around.
If I can't find any I'll just use what I have-they aren't that bad.
Probably never get another 5000 miles on it. No doubt I am sweating it way more than I need to.
Bill
Bill,
There is another detail you need to be aware of. LaSalle piston pins have a slightly smaller hole bored lengthwise through the pin than those for Cadillac engines. The reason is that LaSalle pistons are 1/8" smaller diameter than Cadillac and therefore are lighter, so the smaller hole in the pin is to make the LaSalle piston and pin weigh the same as a Cadillac piston and pin, for proper balance. The rods, crankshaft, and counterweights on the crankshaft are all the same for LaSalle and Cadillac. If you don't take this into consideration you may have an engine with a nasty vibration.
Bob Schuman
Thanks Bob,
I did notice the LaSalle pins had a smaller hole through them. It makes sense now why.
The engine was balanced with the new pistons and the LaSalle pins.
I will be good if I can find some .004 oversize LaSalle pins.
Good luck to me.
Bill