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Couple of LS3 questions

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Old May 24, 2017 | 08:35 AM
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Default Couple of LS3 questions

Hi, just a couple of quick questions for the moment. I got a LS3 that has only travelled 22,***k's and I'm about to install a Howards Cam kit. I've just taken off the heads and found pitting on the top of one of the pistons, have been told this guy can machine a mil off the top of all pistons to clean them up but I have also been told to leave it as its not to bad. Should I get them shaved, leave them alone or replace the one that's damaged. The motor is going to be twin turbo'd. Do I need to shave the head/block or should it be fine since its still pretty much new. Is there any way to stop the block and heads from getting that white powder over it, I left it under a carport for a couple of months while I was moving and now it keeps getting the powder over it. Thanks for any info.

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Old May 25, 2017 | 08:48 AM
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If it was mine it would be no way I would drive it like that unless if it was a stock daily driver. That piston looks like it has 200,000 miles on it.
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Old May 25, 2017 | 09:33 AM
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Looks like just carbon build up. Hit it with a scraper and some scotchbrite and I'd bet it cleans right up.
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Old May 25, 2017 | 04:15 PM
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That almost looks like rust, tho aluminum doesnt rust. Do the liners look like they are in good shape, can you still see the hone marks?

Also, the odd crystal like stuff in the coolant ports makes me wonder as well.

KCS is probably right, give it a good cleaning and see how it turns out from there.
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Old May 25, 2017 | 05:04 PM
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That buildup in the coolant ports is usually glycol or minerals from your hard water. Use water when you start it, flush it, then put coolant in.
Ive used rotary air tools with the red scotch brite to check issues like that but make sure to keep any fragments of material from going into the oil pan etc as they raise alot of dust and can throw their scuff material off. It works good and isnt so abrasive that itll hurt the block or piston.
Otherwise like was said, use a scraper and some elbow grease...maybe some oven cleaner to sit on it and dissolve even.
Milling the top off would be ok for na but boost youd want as much material as possible esp on ring lands.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 08:08 AM
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Thank you for your information. I tried a couple of ways to clean the top of the piston but its still there. I was told the gel/crystals in the water galleries is from the mixture of 2 different coolants and to flush with plain water but I'm going to get as much as possible out before head go back on. The bore liners look brand new and no damage at all on all 8. The pitting is on both back pistons, 1 on either side. Thanks again for your help.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 12:39 PM
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If you need rebuild parts please let me know!!
Email is best rpmspeedtech@gmail.com
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