Good morning all, I've been digging around in here for awhile and decided to make my first post. I'll start with a brief history of the car to lead into my problem/question.
I bought this 53 Plymouth about 3 years ago when I was in Pittsburgh and drove it everyday, sun rain or snow. No problems for over a year until I moved back to Texas. I drove it for another 2 years daily about 60 miles round trip in rush hour with only some minor repairs along the way. I decided to do a complete engine over-haul while the money was available. Noticed all the top compression rings were broken and one piston cracked (Ran good at 70 mph). Got her all buttoned up after a few months and yet again my luck ran out. I never could get it to idle smooth, has a miss here and there. Changed points, cap, rotor, blah blah. Still there. Last Saturday coming home from work cruising around 70 mph, an expansion plug popped out and dumped all the coolant. I was able to shut her down before getting too hot But once at a stand still it peaked about 240°+. New plug and coolant I was able to get it home. Popped the top to investigate any internal damage and noticed on #'s 3 and 4 some light scoring on the valve side of the walls.
When I tore it down the first time it had the same issue in the same locations. I'm sure I am answering my own question, but that is the cause of broken rings right? Would these be my most likely cause for the misfire? Are the broken rings caused by my installation or the high heat? Can I run it as I did before the rebuild? I can't put much into it at this point. But I would hate to waste a rebuild.
I apologize for the story. thanks again! I'd post a photo but not sure how...