New OEM pistons, Damaged = Unusable?

[90turbotsi]

Soo, I had ordered a set of NEW OEM 2G pistons already machined on 1G rods, with ARP rod bolts already installed. All the work was done by a reputable shop but sold privately by someone else. I received pics of the parts before decidind if I wanted them or not, and from the pics everything look great, plus they were NEW. I got them today and opened them all up. Let me start by saying they were all individually wrapped so no damages during shipping occured.
All of the pistons have clear and somewhat deep scratches or dents in them. Most of the damage is on the sides, which im sure will scratch up the block and cause more trouble later. One actually has a dent where the ring goes wish im SURE is going to create problems. I have seen pistons with +200k in better shape then this, clearly they neglected to use care when moving them or even just storing them. Just wondered what you guys thought of them? I had intentions of getting this block together this weekend...sure not going to be able to now.
Can they be sanded/ buffed out or would it be best to replace them? I have pics posted below (as long as they work) They are still too large here but too much smaller and they its hard to see the damage---> pics are working on talk the link is

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142152

Thanks
Jon

 

[dsm-onster]

I don't know what to say. Yell at who ever sold you those pistons! Well, 2 years ago me and my close friend at the time (he got stupid ), rebuilt a 5fse toyota engine and we used a piston with a chipped skirt. By chipped, I mean chipped clean off. But she's still runing after 20k+. Its in my wife's camry.

 

[DsMWookie]

Get a refund, Even if they won't refund your money it will cost you more to do it again than to just do it right he first time. I might have a sec of 2g pistons laying around but their not machined. Did the machine shop who did this notice the damage to the pistons before machining?

 

[project_tsi]

I personally wouldn't take a chance if those were my pistons. If it were my hard earned money going into that rebuild I wouldn't take any less then perfect condition.

Although they may be relatively light scratches in the pistons, it still runs a chance of severly damaging the inside cylinder wall, which in turn could lead to low compression in that cylinder or worse.

Take the matter up w/ the machine shop kindly, and see what they will do for you.

 

[99gst_racer]

Can you feel the scratches? Or are they only visible?

 

[BISHILVR]

I would'nt worry about it, an aluminum piston wont damage a steel cylinder wall unless it breaks apart or is so worn out that it slaps. I would just take some emery and clean them up a little and install them, I've seen worse on brand new pistons with no problems. Some machine shops get in a hurry or are just plain slobs and let things roll across a filthy table or on a dirty floor or in some cases they dont wipe the bore down between fitting the piston when they are boring and the metal flakes left behind scratches the piston up and they end up looking like yours.

 

[90turbotsi]

I myself cant NOT justify using them... my luck it will scratch up the block and then I will need to start all back over. Yes some of the scratches are deep and can be felt. Also some are dents where the rings go so thats another major problem all together...Im going to either track down a good condition set or get them new at the dealer. The guy (whop sold me them) is willing to compensate for some of the damages but not for all of them which is making me super mad. However the rods are machined and ready for new pistons and they have ARPs in them already.
He bought them and they sat a while around his house... The mechanic he uses says they are fine to use (haha not) but im sure this all occured do to improper care and just leaving them sitting around.

As far as machine work, I have seen 2 methods when running 2G pistons on 1G rods:

1-Machine the rod end and then a bit off the inner piston to accept the wider rod
&
2-Machine the rod end as well as shave a tiny bit off where the pin goes through so they fit on a stock 2G piston (thus the piston needing no modification)

Both methods are on the internet so I guess both work. I have had 2 sets made so far in the 1st method but these have been machined the 2nd way. So all I need is to press on 2G pistons and no machine work? I hope

I guess when im done Ill post them up see if anyone wants to attempt to buff the scratches out but im not willing to, kinda wish hed take them back all together oh well

 

[bryanwheat]

Man you should just use those things, that is just minor surface scratching, there is nothing wrong with them, they will not in any way scratch your cylinder wall. I have gotten many that looked like that, never a problem with them.

 

[Defiant]

Pistons are aluminum. Bores are iron. File or stone off the bumps and nicks and use those. Or, ask any machinist what he thinks they look like. Hard to tell from a cell phone photo taken while on horseback. Galloping.

 

[90turbotsi]

Well thanks for all of your responses... I pushed to get my money back/compensation, as they were bought as NEW and perfect and they clearly are far from whether they will work or not. I will be replacing them with new ones or good condition low miles ones... If someone that comfortable has any interestin in using them feel free to PM or email me.

So it basicially worked out to $80 I got machined 1G rods, cryo treated and shotpeened, along with ARPs installed in them and new rings. Yes it was a bit of hassle getting the money compensated but I think its a good deal and agood setup for my driver.
But thanks again for you input