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If it is leaking, cracked, or the piston is seized it needs replaced.
Remove it and bring to an auto parts store for testing
you know the head click on that and your done
easiest way to check pcv is to pull it out of where it is and shake it if it rattles, it is good. if it does not rattle it is clogged up and needs replacing
If your engine jumps when accelerating, or when certain noises are made when engine torques.
If your gonna scrap it. then yes. If your gonna run it, no way. If you know it has a crack then you've got the head off. Replace it, Dude.
Do a compression test.
A head gasket is something that you can replace yourself but it is only advisable if you know how to do so. This sort of project is not something you learn easily.
S&W never made a piston as far as I know.
You won't know it needs replacing - it fails catastrophically, without any symptoms. Factory recommended replacement mileage is 95,000 miles. If you have passed that mileage you are living on borrowed time.
Possibly and you may also have a cracked head, or busted piston. The only way to know for sure is to remove the head and see what you have. You will have damage but it may not be bad or it may be very bad.
well there should be an arow on the top of the piston which points to the exuast