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TR4/4A Piston Size Measurement on Rebuild

KVH

Obi Wan
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While my newly removed pistons were carbon coated I measured them with a caliper and came up with 86.34 mm. I assumed I just made an error, and that they were 87mm--which is the size I want on a rebuild I'm doing.

However, now having cleaned up the pistons, I see they're all stamped STD. I assume that means the standard 86 mm.

Naturally, I've rechecked some measurements.

For the pistons, try after try, I'm getting about 86.34. Nothing I try comes up to 87.

Of course, I'm feeling challenged again. Are 86 mm pistons really bigger? Any elucidation would help.
 
Pistons should definitely be slightly smaller than the bore.

Are the calipers that accurate? Being graduated to .001" (.0054mm) doesn't necessarily mean they are that accurate.

The stock pistons were actually tapered (in addition to the head being smaller than the skirt), but I don't know if all replacements are that way.
 
And there is usually a specific place on the piston that you measure. Often on the skirt, 90 degrees off of the pin, but it may be different.
 
OK, sounds good. But since mine are stamped STD, that definitely means they're 86s, right?
 
OK, sounds good. But since mine are stamped STD, that definitely means they're 86s, right?

Probably. But I'd put a lot more faith in how they fit in an 86mm bore (or better yet, measure accurately). The markings are not always correct
 
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