Pistons Mounted Backwards

[95GSTowner]

I have 1G rods and had a local machine shop put 2G pistons on them for me. Last night I was about to install the rings and I checked the direction of the pistons/rods and they didn't mount them with the arrow facing the lettering on rods. I even gave them a spec sheet that included the direction of pistons/rods and they still got it wrong. Called them up and they said we will call you back. They called and said they talked to several other machine shops and they all said it would be fine as long as the piston is in the right direction when placed on the crank. I told them I wanted them fixed and they said that if they try to take them off then they might break or distort the pistons. Not sure what to do here. I have read and been told that the rods are symmetrical and will be fine but I would like some peace of mind here. Since this is going to be a daily driver the oil squirter on the rod not being right scares me as well. Please help with solid info. Thanks

 

[Tanro]

I would be pissed. You gave them a spec sheet, told them how you wanted the pistons installed, and payed them. I would demand a full refund, or get them to fix the #### up. If they decline tell them you will call the better business bureau.

 

[concept4g63]

You might as well done it yourself

 

[ziggo0]

I believe they have an arrow towards the timing side is because of the valve reliefs. Intake and Exhaust valves are different in size, so the reliefs must be pointed in the right direction (i.e. timing side). Take it back and make them do it right.

 

[95GSTowner]

Thanks for the responses and yeah Monday I'm gonna make them fix them. Today while talking to the guy who mounted them wrong he admitted that he just guessed how they went on. Sad but true. Anyway I did have 2 other shops and one Mitsubishi Dealer Parts Associate tell me it would be fine. They said only difference is the rod pin hole oil squirter would shoot the other way. Also said aftermarket rods dont have the oil hole. Doesn't matter because I want it fixed right. They charged me $140 to machine the 1g rods and mount the 2g pistons. Thanks again

 

[Jiggalude]

Well in my opinion and experience, a lot of "experienced shops" don't really know what they are talking about. The most knowledgeable are the people who work specifically on them day in and day out. Like those on these forums.

 

[95GSTowner]

I agree. Any tips you wanna give me to make them fix it? Reason I ask is because yesterday they were pushing very hard for me to accept the pistons/rods the way they are. Assuring me that it would be fine. They also said they might break or distort the pistons if they take them off. Pistons are brand new OEM .20 which is hard to get at a good price. I know Monday when I call they will probably push even harder so if you can think of how I should approach this please let me know. Don't want to piss them off too much because then they might mess them up on purpose this time. Thanks again for your support.

 

[steve]

You told them how you wanted them done. They didn't follow your instructions and they can't justify why they had to be put on different that you instructed. That makes it clear that they messed up, they know it, and it's their problem to make it right. If they destroy your stuff in the process of making it right that's also their problem and they can buy new ones.

They may never want you back but they better make this right for you. Just stick to your point that you gave them specific instruction on how they were to be installed and they didn't follow them.

Doesn't matter if they will work right or not, they messed up and now it's time for them to fix it.

 

[95GSTowner]

Will update you tomorrow on what they say. Here are a couple of pics to show what I'm talking about and you guys can confirm this is wrong.

 

[AK Maniak]

Well if they break or distort the pistons then they need to replace them because if they would have just done them correctly in the first place then there would be no need to remove them. Either way its their fault and they should have to fix or replace whatever they #### up

 

[lilrob2069]

I think everyone is right, take them back tell them that they need to fix it. And if which i know they will most likely screw the pistons up i so they are gonna have to buy new ones for ya. Don't let them BS you. Tell them that if they don't fix them that your taking them to small claims court and hope they can afford the costs. just my 2 cents

 

[black_gst]

I think everyone is right, take them back tell them that they need to fix it. And if which i know they will most likely screw the pistons up i so they are gonna have to buy new ones for ya. Don't let them BS you. Tell them that if they don't fix them that your taking them to small claims court and hope they can afford the costs. just my 2 cents

$140 is not worth small claims court. im sure the filing fee is almost that much

tell them to fix them if they F up they should have to pay up

 

[BogusSVO]

first, I do understand your upset about this, and you have the right to be.

no go look at the rod bearings.. do they have the hole in them to feed the oil squirter in the rod? if the hole is not there in the bearing, then noo need to risk your pistons...

if the hole is there, yes then have them try to R&R them

also call the place you got the pistons from and see if they have another set. have the contact name, part number, and phone number ready to give the machine shop incase the pistons get messed up.

 

[SD99GST]

I would also make sure they give you a receipt for the work they are doing the second time... And dont let them tell you that they will do it at your parts risk... Shop knows its in the wrong right now, and should fix it if its a reputable company although it might take a little arm twisting... Good Luck bud, sucks to see a good easy thing turned into such a hassle.

 

[95GSTowner]

Thanks guys for all your help. The shop just kept BSing me and called other shops in the area they also said it's fine. One shop was 3SX racing which is locally known for 240sx and using AWD DSMs for drift. Anyway I just got fed up with the whole thing and was spending too much time in the garage so I sold everything. The guy I sold it to almost has the engine back together. I'll let you know if he has any problems with the piston/rod issue. The good news is I can't stay away from DSMs and last month I bought a 91 GSX thats runs and drives. I'm about to start rebuilding a spare 6-bolt soon so hopefully I will have better luck this time. Don't worry, I'll stay far away from K T Engine Development in Concord, NC!!!!

To BogusSVO: Yes, the rod bearings did have the oil hole. Basically from what I know the only difference this mistake causes is that the engine will squirt oil out the rods the opposite direction in the block. Although the pistons were mounted backwards I would have placed them in the engine the correct direct and the rods would be backwards. This is what the shop explained to me and other DSM people told me. However, the issues that may come along with this are still an unconfirmed mystery in my book... Better safe than sorry and a lesson learned for me when it comes to machine shops. Even though I had a spec sheet with directions on it for them, next time I will OVER-EMPHASIZE things! Thanks again for everyone's help.