Help, cant get pistons out!

[jay87t]

Hey guys im in the process of re ringing my B6000. leaving the engine in, journals and liners look very good. problem is I cant get these pistons to pop up?!? they slide up and down fine but I cant force them up out of the block? am I missing something here? any tricks to this? Im hitting them from the bottom with a wooden broom handle and hammer. any tips would be appreciated. Im trying to avoid removing the engine. Thanks.

 

[rodburner]

I am no diesel mechanic by any means but I believe they have to come out from the bottum, meaning you will have to remove the crank. On some engines the cylinder gets smaller at the top to help the rings seal at the top of the stroke. I am sure some one smarter than me will chime in soon.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like you have a ring ridge that is stopping them, drive the pistons down and use a ridge reamer or a hone and get rid of the ridge then they will come right out.

Now if it has liners, and there is a ridge, mic them as they might be worn to the point of replacement.

 

[kuboman]

As Wolfman said you will have a ring ridge preventing easy removal of the pistons. Your liners are likely worn bad. They will be more of a challenge to remove.
And the pistons do not come out the bottom.

 

[jay87t]

thanks, I used a hone and then they came out, only after I pulled the engine! what a pita....

 

[Tooljunkie]

Advantage of a ridge reamer, it wont create a taper in the cylinder walls. As you hone it, on the low end of the stone will ride on cylinder wall, tapering it. That being said, if you werent to agressive or kept the hone on the ridge only then you will be fine.
I find working on an engine on a stand better than in the chassis. I feel a better job gets done.
Hope your overhaul is a success!