I heated the aftermarket set and they didn't grow anymore than the original ones. I have no idea what happened, my gut tells me cheap pistons to start with stating that the anti-scuff coating came off in 3 hours and was in the bottom of the oil pan.
Also after removing the aftermarket set you can hold any of the 4 of them sideways and the wristpin falls out of each one just from gravity. After the first piston replacement the engine had a slight tick only after loading it pretty good. I am thinking wristpin noise after warmup.
Kubota engine dealer also told me same timing 17 BTDC for both turbo and non turbo.
Crank is in the lathe and is straight, still have to check rods for straightness.
Block is at the machine shop this morning awaiting a hoe down.:crossfingers:
I'll take my lumps and move on.