how the valves could do that. maybe a part of a glow plug broke off sometime. or a part of a valve or such. any thing hard would do it. pistons are meant to compress air not steel.

also if the gasket leaked enough and it sat and the liquid built up in the cylinder, when starting was attempted it could have broken the piston. i wouldnt be surprised if the "notch" goes on down the side of the piston.

ether could have done it too, i imagine.

bad luck. now you will have to have the engine out to get that piston out.

sorry.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.