Road racer

I will be pulling the head this week to find out why #2 & #3 have low compression (120 & 160 psi vs ~205 in #1 & #4). Since the head is off, I would like to go ahead &replace the piston rings. I have searched the forums and I have not been able to find anyone that has done this with the block in the car. Can anyone give me some advice on this? Knowing this info ahead of time will help me plan the best way to get my car back on the road soon.

Thanks for any help & guidance.

01S2kChad

Hypotheically you could....... one you have the head off you could pull the oil pan off and be able to access the bolts for the rods but it will be quite a PITA. Also, you would/ will want to check your cylinders for out of round and also verify your ring gap on your new rings. It's do-able but if you're going to be on your back doing the work I wouldnt imagine it would be very much fun....

Road racer

Thanks. I have a dial bore gauge so I can check the bores for wear. I had the head off a couple months ago & the cylinders did not show any signs of wear. I was quite amazed. So, I have a feeling that my pistons and cylinders are OK. I have a clean & organized shop and can take my time on this & do it right. So, if it's really needed, I can pull the motor but would like to avoid if this task is doable.

During a compression test, my pressures went up ~30psi in all cylinders when I added 10ccs of oil. This and some issues with my dip stick popping up tell me some new rings might do some good. Oh, my car is a MY 2000 with 84k miles.

The pan appears very easy to pull off as there is nothing blocking it. I am not sure about the oil pump though. I am on vacation now & don't have my manual handy.

Keep the suggestions coming please!!!

01S2kChad

The oil pump WILL be in the way but it's pretty simple to pull off (3 bolts) There also isnt a gasket on it. It'll be quite messy on you with residual oil dripping but it is possible. I am actually currently putting my engine together right now. If you have any detailed questions just let me know.

01S2kChad

After saying that I also just realized that the oil pump chain will need to be removed to get the oil pump out, so the timing chain cover will need to come off as well...

seoul2k

it takes like 3-4 hours to pull the motor... it will also be a lot easier working on it

Leviisbigred

pull it or drop it

S2KIrishman

id pull it, but thats me...its going to make life a lot easier on you

SpitfireS

https://www.s2ki.com/...ar/page__st__25
Read this post, especially reply #35, before changing the rings.
Just new rings may not make things any better.

seoul2k

yeah our motors have special walls or w/e... when i had my motor rebuilt i had to drive down to Inline pro inorder to get it machined correctly. Theres only a few machine shops that can do what inline pro does.. from what they said its a special machine that does it