I had a bad knocking sound for a few months. It was diagnosed as a lifter issue. After gathering up enough funds( so I thought) I sent the car in to be fixed. Turns out it was the #5 piston over shooting the cylinder and knocking on the head. It was obvious because that was the only cylinder that had a clean cylinder wall all the way through....all the rest had a slight carbon build up at the top of the cylinders. So it ended being a piston bearing that was worn.... so its overhaul time.... any suggestions on what to do that won't break the bank? I'm already a few G's into it after all the labor. Luckily its my uncles shop so I have the freedom to do a few things to it while the engine is out.....Help!

 

A piston colliding with the head is not piston slap. Piston slap is the result of a piston having too much clearance in the cylinder bore and wobbling side to side. Piston hitting the head is sometimes caused by worn rod bearings, loose wrist pins, or anything else that reduces piston to head clearance. Next time you assemble the engine check the piston to head clearance with clay and make sure it meets specs.

 

You just blew my mind.... I was almost content on just machining the block and heads and replacing all the bearings and what not... as for what I want out of it?....just a beefier engine without totally compromising fuel economy... my plan is to keep this car forever and gradually improve it. So I need specifics if possible....like where do purchase parts? Recommend any place people?

 

Your right it was a piston bearing that was worn...what's up with all this carbon build up on the piston head? I heard bad gas....is that true?

 

Most times carbon build up is usually caused by an oil burner, lots of stop & go driving, rich fuel mixture, misfiring, lung duration cam, or anything that slows down the combustion process. Poor quality gas will make the engine run bad, but unless you persist on using it, it won't be a major reason for carbon build up.