Removing the ridge so I can get the pistons out of my 440 block...

[Blakcharger440]

Hey,
Is there another solution to getting the pistons out of a block that has a ridge at the top of the cylinder? I am needing to remove the pistons in a 1967 440 engine so I can take it to the machinist.

I have heard of ridge reamers but have never used one before and dont want to ruin a standard bore block.

[chargerbr549]

I wouldn't use a ridgereamer unless you absolutely have too.  I assume you aren't reusing the pistons and having it bored? Just use a long rod and a hammer and beat on the bottom of the piston and it should come right out, if you use a ridge reamer it may make it tougher to center the boring bore on the cylinder when its being bore out. I have seen alot of blocks get scrapped or bored bigger than they have to from somebody getting wild with the the ridge reamer.

Kevin

[Blakcharger440]

I wouldn't use a ridgereamer unless you absolutely have too.  I assume you aren't reusing the pistons and having it bored? Just use a long rod and a hammer and beat on the bottom of the piston and it should come right out, if you use a ridge reamer it may make it tougher to center the boring bore on the cylinder when its being bore out. I have seen alot of blocks get scrapped or bored bigger than they have to from somebody getting wild with the the ridge reamer.

Kevin

Thats what I thought. I will try and take the pistons out of the bottom.

[The70RT]

Unless your saving the pistons knock them on through. If you don't take any ridge out you sometimes break the piston glands though. If you have a lot of ridge you will have to bore anyway.