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Old 06-30-2022, 08:19 PM   #1
Steve in Tampa
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Default model B piston clearance in the block

when you bore a new cylinder, what should the clearance be for the piston? Thanks, steve
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Old 06-30-2022, 08:36 PM   #2
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

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when you bore a new cylinder, what should the clearance be for the piston? Thanks, steve
Use the piston manufacturer recomendation.
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Old 06-30-2022, 09:23 PM   #3
Steve in Tampa
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

clearance between piston and cylinder wall on a new bore steve
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Old 06-30-2022, 09:33 PM   #4
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

Pete gave you the proper answer.
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Old 06-30-2022, 09:36 PM   #5
Steve in Tampa
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

.o30 pistons nos , no info
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Old 06-30-2022, 10:02 PM   #6
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

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post a couple pictures of the NOS pistons, we might be able to determine starting point.

Depending on the design, the proper clearance can be .003-.010

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Old 07-01-2022, 05:55 AM   #7
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

The clearance is measured at the points cross wise in the engine (side to side not fore and aft). The pistons are ground eccentric so that the clearance fore and aft is greater. This allows for expansion of the piston. That applies to a piston with a full skirt. The clearance in the side to side direction will be about 0.004.

For pistons that are ground round (don't use these) the clearance is greater, perhaps 0.010. For pistons that have only a partial skirt (slipper pistons), like Egge pistons, the clearance can be less, and I don't know what it should be.

As Pete said, use the recommendation of the piston manufacturer. If not supplied with the pistons, contact them to get their recommendation.
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Old 07-01-2022, 06:02 AM   #8
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

Yep, what Pete said.

A general rule of thumb is .001" per inch of bore. And I think loose is better than tight.
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Old 07-01-2022, 08:15 AM   #9
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

The November 1932 Service Bulletin, Page 66, indicates the fit for aluminum alloy split skirt pistons is 0.0005" to 0.0025".
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Old 07-01-2022, 10:03 AM   #10
Bob C
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

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The November 1932 Service Bulletin, Page 66, indicates the fit for aluminum alloy split skirt pistons is 0.0005" to 0.0025".

I saw that also and thought it must be a miss print, seems way to tight.
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Old 07-01-2022, 11:31 AM   #11
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

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The November 1932 Service Bulletin, Page 66, indicates the fit for aluminum alloy split skirt pistons is 0.0005" to 0.0025".
Don't use the info above! This was for pistons with a full split skirt, not like todays pistons. I usually bore to .003" and hone another .0005" looser is better than too tight! Racing pistons are a different story, and require much more clearance. Too tight will result in scouring of the pistons and walls, you don't want this.
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Old 07-01-2022, 11:44 AM   #12
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

Regarding the quote from nkaminar in Post #7: "For pistons that are ground round (don't use these) the clearance is greater, perhaps 0.010"

I wonder what is wrong with concentric ground pistons? I know it is old technology but I have pulled this type of piston from old engines that had an apparently long and useful life. These were also split skirt pistons which were set up much tighter than the 0.010 inches cited.
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Old 07-01-2022, 01:39 PM   #13
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: model B piston clearance in the block

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when you bore a new cylinder, what should the clearance be for the piston? Thanks, steve
Steve, have you actually measured the pistons? Often times, I find that pistons are generally manufactured in a (under)size so when the cylinder is bored (-and then honed) to the nominal oversize, the correct amount of clearance the manufacturer desires is there.
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