Got the head off today. Cylinder one that has the chipped piston is interesting. It appears that the shard of piston melted and adhered to the side of the cylinder wall...

I'm putting together a list of all the items that I think I should replace beyond the standard items when doing a rebuild (Pistons and rings, bearings, cams look good, all seals, etc).

So, I'm considering all difficult to reach items too, such as the starter, which appears to be original, and a pain to get to otherwise. So I will replace it with an oe part while I can.

What other items should I consider replacing while its apart?

Thanks all!

 

My take is simple, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have 50+ year old Oldsmobiles with original water pumps, starters, alternators, etc. When they break, you address it. Replacing functioning parts is not a sport.

More related to your rebuild. Example: some might say why you are in there, replace the oil pump it is cheap insurance..... oil pumps can go like a bazillion miles, some die an early death. Brand new ones can die because of a defect. If the one you have works, no reason it will not continue to work. I just clean the bypass valve, inspect, replace the O Ring to the pickup tube and re-install.

Good luck.