That sandcast I just did had one of those liners. I think it was #3. It was cracked at the top flange, so it curved up over the deck of the cylinders, just about 3/4" long. The rest of the sleeves weren't much better, but we re-sleeved it OK.
I have only seen this one time, do not know the cause.
I've not seen oil-scraping methods like the ones in this Square Four engine, though. That open section under the ring and the hole + slot across the skirt is something I've never seen before(!). But then, oil in those days wasn't something to remember, either.
Indian pistons from the 30's and 40's have a slot in the skirt.
They look like old flathead or tractor pistons with the expansion slot in the exhaust side, gotta love "old" high tech. Better yet, just "old tech ". The 2 on the right look to have been very hot.
Old tech is the best tech, back to the way it was.
Ole sparky setting a fire 2000 times a minute makes the piston hot.
Are parts readily available? Cylinder lining and rings??
Mostly available, somewhat expensive.
I have a small dilemma, my pistons are .020" over and fit the cylinders nicely, the only .020" pistons are in Australia.
I am suddenly motivated to get the old rings out of the pistons, going to soak in penetrating oil two days, next stop machine shop, hopefully not needed.
