Dings on Head?

[GoneFission]

I finally got around to tearing into the old 2.4L Merc - very happy with the new Optimax, but was wondering what killed the old mota...

I took both heads off - one cylinder head shows where some metal got in there and dinged up the head - same stuff on the top of the piston. So where do y'all think it came from? The other 5 cylinders are clean as a whistle. Ideas?   

 

[FL.flatback]

Piece of reed valves?

[Capt. Bob]

Piston ring?

[RickK]

Where is our buddy Farley?

[fitz73222]

I mentioned to John,
Broken ring segments
Broken reed petal segments
Broken bearing pieces or race.

[wingtime]

How do the cylinder walls look? Edges of the intake and exhaust ports?

[GoneFission]

How do the cylinder walls look? Edges of the intake and exhaust ports?

Cylinder looks good and no damage to ports.  It just looks like something got sucked into the cylinder and banged around a bit.  The top of the piston has marks like the head from contact, but the cylinder wall looks fine. 

My next move is to take the carbs and front end off and see what the reeds look like.  I'm thinking a broken reed, but who knows?    

[jdupree]

I can't remember, did it still run when you took it off?  It will be interesting to see what you find.  Throw a new piston and rings in it and sell it

[wingtime]

If it just a broken reed that would be awesome. I'd pull that piston, inspect the cylinder rings etc. Throw in a set of Chris Carson Reeds and sell that baby.

Keep in mind I can get you engine parts, gaskets etc at a discount for members.