Blown head gasket/leaky valve seals seemed to be the only problem when it was running. Now I have the ehad off I need to decide whether to do the rings or not. I'm not really sure I'm up to the job, I have no one with expierience to help me. What should I look for as far as making my verdict on the rings? Compression was around 150 on all the cylinders that didn't have a blown head gasket. It burned oil, but that was assumed to be a result of the valve seals(like rocks), if the rings were letting oil by as well, I dont know how to have determined that. I know I annoy you all with my amatuerish questions, but I'm only 21 years old and I've had to learn all I know about cars for myself, having had no mentors available. I do appreciate all the help so far guys. Have a look, tell me what you think.
If you are gonna dismantle the bottom end of the engine to do the rings why not do a complete rebuild while you are at it ... makes more sense ...
Jaynik; I would put a gasket on it, valve seals on the head (which you have to do anyway), and take a compression test. If the compression is even across all the cylinders, I wouldn't think you would have to re-ring it. If compression is low on any cylinder, re-ring the engine. As Dan said, just do a complete rebuild. Good luck!
If this is a high mile engine with a lot of wear, invest in the machine shop and do a rebuild. if it isnt that old from its last overhaul, id clean out the oil really good(try to get all the water out) and put some good condition heads on. your budget=your call
Time for the million dollar question. This fell out of my block, what is it, and where does it go! The winner gets to call me an idiot and kick me in the pants.
My amazing instincts tell me that should not have fallen out when I have not touched the oil pump! *hits self in head with wrench*
it looks a little worn on the end, id buy a new one. also, did it fall out when you pulled your distributor, or was it already out? id bet on the first, unless its snapped in two pieces.
I dunno, this all looks pretty disgusting. I ahve no way of knowing how many miles were on this but....
if the shaft fell out when you turned the block over, that is normal, but it looks like some of the lobes may have heated up a bit, might want to consider an overhaul, is this a primary driver, or a weekend toy?
