Does this 5.9 Magnum look ok?
I was hoping to get by without having to mess with the bottom end except for a new oil pump. I have never replaced rings or bearings etc.. But if need be I should be able to figure out how to pull a piston.
The crank has to come out for a piston removal, (which includes the timing equipment up front), but I personally don't think it's a problem from what I am seeing because I don't see the problem being detonation like I already mentioned.
If you are doing the pump anyway, then it wouldn't hurt to take a quick look at some of the lower bearings by pulling a cap or two (like the rear main for one while you are putting a new rear main seal in.:D)
As as far as cleaning gaskets off I use a good sharpened scraper and get it under the edge of the old stuff and skim it off there.
My favorite is a big solid blade kitchen knife cut off half way down the blade and sharpened flat on the end because it gives a nice handle a good long lasting edge.
The pistons can be wire brushed with a drill at TOP DEAD CENTER and then blow the crap out from between the piston and cylinder walls with compressed air (make sure no wires stay in there)
I may also rinse with WD40 as I blow things out and wipe down with a terry cloth rag.
Once blown clean turn the engine backwards a little and wipe any left over junk on the walls out.
Repeat on all 8 and then a thin coat of oil on the cylinder walls and she's ready for gaskets and heads.
Of course like everything we do there are a shitload of opinions on every little step but I have been doing it this way for decades on about every type of motor you can imagine.