Replacing Piston Rings
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From: Laurel, Maryland
Replacing Piston Rings How difficult is it to do with a lift and power tools? Can the rods and pistons be dropped out through the bottom without removing the crank? Is this a good idea to do as an amateur (I'll have the help of a certified mechanic), but neither of us is a professional engine builder?
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Its easy really, pull the intake and heads. Jack the motor up and get the oil pan off then carefully mark all the rods caps and pistons so you get them back together as they came out. Then pull the rod caps and the pistons come out the top, no need to pull the crank.
I must warn you though ITS CRITICAL that everything is SPOTLESS when dealing with the bearings and crank. Any mistakes dealing with reassembly of the bearing IE smacking the crank with the rod while reinserting them is going to cost you pulling the engine.
If it were me i'd pull the engine out the top and take it to good engine shop OR find a mechanic that does this alot. Years ago when I worked as a mechanic in a GM shop I changed pistons rods and rings even bearings in the vehicles without any trouble. But you need to find a REAL mechanic who has done this 100's of times IMO.
There are so fine details that are basic knowledge needed critical to a successful result. What are the troubles with the rings now?
Also if you need to ball hone the cylinders to break the surface glaze the crank MUST BE protected and SPOTLESS when finnished.
I must warn you though ITS CRITICAL that everything is SPOTLESS when dealing with the bearings and crank. Any mistakes dealing with reassembly of the bearing IE smacking the crank with the rod while reinserting them is going to cost you pulling the engine.
If it were me i'd pull the engine out the top and take it to good engine shop OR find a mechanic that does this alot. Years ago when I worked as a mechanic in a GM shop I changed pistons rods and rings even bearings in the vehicles without any trouble. But you need to find a REAL mechanic who has done this 100's of times IMO.
There are so fine details that are basic knowledge needed critical to a successful result. What are the troubles with the rings now?
Also if you need to ball hone the cylinders to break the surface glaze the crank MUST BE protected and SPOTLESS when finnished.
Its easy really, pull the intake and heads. Jack the motor up and get the oil pan off then carefully mark all the rods caps and pistons so you get them back together as they came out. Then pull the rod caps and the pistons come out the top, no need to pull the crank.
I must warn you though ITS CRITICAL that everything is SPOTLESS when dealing with the bearings and crank. Any mistakes dealing with reassembly of the bearing IE smacking the crank with the rod while reinserting them is going to cost you pulling the engine.
If it were me i'd pull the engine out the top and take it to good engine shop OR find a mechanic that does this alot. Years ago when I worked as a mechanic in a GM shop I changed pistons rods and rings even bearings in the vehicles without any trouble. But you need to find a REAL mechanic who has done this 100's of times IMO.
There are so fine details that are basic knowledge needed critical to a successful result. What are the troubles with the rings now?
Also if you need to ball hone the cylinders to break the surface glaze the crank MUST BE protected and SPOTLESS when finnished.
I must warn you though ITS CRITICAL that everything is SPOTLESS when dealing with the bearings and crank. Any mistakes dealing with reassembly of the bearing IE smacking the crank with the rod while reinserting them is going to cost you pulling the engine.
If it were me i'd pull the engine out the top and take it to good engine shop OR find a mechanic that does this alot. Years ago when I worked as a mechanic in a GM shop I changed pistons rods and rings even bearings in the vehicles without any trouble. But you need to find a REAL mechanic who has done this 100's of times IMO.
There are so fine details that are basic knowledge needed critical to a successful result. What are the troubles with the rings now?
Also if you need to ball hone the cylinders to break the surface glaze the crank MUST BE protected and SPOTLESS when finnished.
