Bad news. Took my Shindaiwa T230x apart and found this:
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2011/08/full-5205-2996-piston_exhust_side_b.jpg)
Exhaust Side of Piston
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2011/08/full-5205-2997-piston_intake_side_.jpg)
Intake Side of Piston
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2011/08/full-5205-2998-inside_cylinder_exhaust_side_.jpg)
Exhaust Side of Cylinder
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2011/08/full-5205-2999-piston_exhaust_side.jpg)
Exhaust Side of Piston
Piston was scored throughout. The cylinder was extremely smooth except for a single small spot where you could feel a little bit scratched if you touched with the fingernail.
QUESTIONS: Do I need to replace piston rings AND piston AND cylinder? Or can I just get away with buying piston rings? The trimmer works!! It just has trouble idling so you have to keep pulling the throttle to keep the engine running. Will it cause more damage in the long term if I don't replace the entire piston? I'd like to know your opinions...