sorry for long post.

I've had the head off before, so I know that I have domed pistons. I've been told that these are "super power" oversized pistons with .0825" sleeves. Is this correct? Rebuild kits come with either 3-ring or 4-ring pistons and either .040" or .090" sleeves, although you can buy the "super power" piston/sleeve sets separately.

In the archives I've read a lot about 3-ring vs. 4-ring pistons, and it appears to me that, although some people swear by the 4-ring and most say they are OK, given a choice most of the members of this august body prefer the 3-ring piston. Soooo.....

What about these oversized pistons? If I pull the pistons out and find the existing sleeves are not worn or tapered, should I leave the sleeves and re-use the pistons I already have? Of course I would be replacing the rings and bearings and such. IF this turns out to be the case, I can save a good deal of money by buying the rebuild parts I need seperately instead of buying a kit.

On the other hand, if I discover that either the pistons or sleeves need to be replaced, would you guys suggest I just get the standard 3-ring pistons with the .090" sleeves (I think that would be the size) or is there a real advantage ($40 worth) to the oversize pistons?

Oh, one more thing. This past summer I cleaned, lapped and adjusted the valves. One valve is a little short, but the adjustable lifters I bought make up for it; I can set the clearance just fine. Is there any good reason for getting brand new valves, guides, springs, etc.? I can save a good deal of money here too if I don't have to buy new valves.

I haven't posted in a while but I do enjoy reading all of your posts and replies, and I have been reading in the archives whenever I log on, so I want to thank all of you for the help I've aready received from this great forum.

Buying rebuild parts before you have it torn down is asking for returns. Does the thing have much ring ridge? Measure, or have measured the bores for taper and size. Then you know what you need in the way of pistons, sleves, and rings.

What kind of service does the machine endure? If'n it only does hay rides and parades you are looking at one scenario. If'n you run a lawn service and mow twenty acres a day every day you are looking at something else.

Either way, the extra horsepower from domed oversized pistons isn't part of what I would use to make up my mind.

Your mileage may vary

Problem with running barefoot, (or in sleeves) is the cylinder walls get tapered from all the uppseys and downseys and this works the rings and they get broken. End result, to get the benefits of rebuilding an engine, you need to "bore" the cylinders to take the taper out so you get good ring seal. Problem is, there isn't a larger piston/ring to fit a bored out cylinder block for N-Engine.

Bottom line, yer gonnna hafta bore out the block ennysways so your new 0.090 castiron cylinders sleeves will fit and put new improved 3-ring pistons 'cuz new 0.040 steel sleeves just won't fit.

I'd say, if'n ya just redid yer valves, leave'em alone..... ....Dell