During my engine assembly I noticed the oil squirters are wicked close to the piston skirts at BDC (bottom dead center), within .001-.002". This is on a 2.3L stroker with Wiseco pistons. I'm considering bending the squirt tube but am afraid of breaking the brazed joint.

Anyone else run into this.

 

you should fine, but it's okay to bent it.

 

there was another person doing a build talking about the squirter actually hitting the piston skirt though i can't find it of course-JOEYD

 

.001" clearance is NOT ok. Many aftermarket pistons have an oil squirter notch to provide clearance for the squirters. If there isn't a notch, call the manufacturer and ask them if they normally come with a notch. You may be able to clearance that section yourself, but talk with the manufacturer first.

It would be best to not bend the squirter.

 

bending squirter is a bad idea. that will make it closer to crank throw. the squirter is a long tube that can vibrate. clearance should be .100 from crank and piston. I cant tell you how many 2.3/2.4 pistons I have had to notch during a build. I have never seen a pre-notched piston from anybody.

 

I was afraid of this. Now the head is on...

 

I saw a post a long time ago by AMS that said that they shim there squirters on strokers for the needed clearence.

 

Not a bad idea...

 

 

I plan on taking the squirters out this evening from the bottom and evaluating my options on shimming or slightly bending. I'll use a tubing bender if I go that route to avoid crimping the tube.

Anyone else have suggestions. I want to try and avoid taking the head off because I'll need a new head gasket if I do.

 

you shouldnt need* a new gasket for just taking off 1 time. I would spray some copper gasket stuff on it if you did take the head off.

 

Pictures

 

good try on the pics but its hard to tell, looks like more than .001 clearance

 

I know, the pictures are hard to really see.

I got an email from Wiseco...

It would be best to tweak the squirters. They vibrate, so .060” is the minimum. They bend without breaking, but if you’re concerned, you can plug the galleys and go. The forged piston does well without oiling.

I may end up using a small shim and bending. I'll update the thread when I do it.

 

+1 for spacing them. You can use copper washers to move the squirter away from the piston skirt. Just be sure to check the clearance again.