New here. I got a deal on this 73 sportser. I asked about the motor and all he would say is that it needs lots of TLC. I already have it torn down, and the only problems I could find are that the center oil-ring flange is broken on both pistons. (see pictures) And there is excessive side to side on the male connection rod, but no up and down on either. I took a measurement by placing a ruler on top of the flywheel, grabbing the connecting rod by the top. The connecting rods were at their lowest point also. The measurement was 1/4 inch side to side movement.
My question is "what would cause the center flange on both pistons to break"? The cylinders look fine and in really good shape. Everything appears to be stock on the motor.
I'm not a mechanic. Let me say that up front. So forgive me for not using mechanic words. Just need some info.

 

Detonation. Foreign object collision (outside of the cylinder, obviously). Too small of a ring gap. Don't really know for sure, but those things can cause that.