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Can you Change Piston Rings without Removing the Engine?

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Joshua Wallace
Can you Change Piston Rings without Removing the Engine?

The life of a car depends upon its engine. If any one of the parts of the engine messes up, it may cause further problems for your car to rev and run smoothly. Car maintenance and services are crucial to keeping up with engine health. Some of the DIY methods can also come in handy to save a few extra pounds in your wallet as well as shine up the engine. People worldwide seek help online in case of fixing the messed-up system of the cars or simply go for classic car engine rebuild when the engine busts. Here is the answer to your question, 

Yes! You can change piston rings without actually removing the entire engine assembly. This can come in handy to save time and money, doing it on your own too! You can change piston rings by the following correct method. 

The Method to Change Piston Rings 

Even if you are not removing the engine, it is better to remove a few of the parts such as the timing belt, exhaust manifold, intake manifold, and all the vacuum lines. Once the oil pan and cylinder are eliminated too, all you have to do is to drain the oil into the pan. 

Remove Cap Nuts and Piston 

You will remove the cap nuts also known as rod bolts right after all the oil drains out. Make sure to open each cap separately, going one bolt at a time so none of them mixes up while you adjust them back in place. As you are not sure which cap goes on which bolt that is why it is better to deal with one piston at a time. Now remove the piston by pushing it through the bore, upside, and outside of the engine. You are now left with a rod and cap and are about to replace them. 

Remove the Rings 

The most important point of the process is removing the piston rings and breaking them in a half. The ring consists of multiple particles and debris stuck to it. Use the broken ring to clean the rings of all the other ones.

Cleaning and Installation

Clean out all the pistons and use a smooth textured cloth and liquid detergent or cleaner solution to clean the piston. Dry out all the excessive wetness and place it back in place. Now screw new rings in place. Use a compression tool instead of your hands. Install the piston in the engine block and seek help from a hammer to push and adjust it in position. Replace the cap nut after you have oiled or greased the bearing. 

Final Adjustments Using a Key 

A torque wrench is another important tool you will need while you work with pistons. Turn the caps in a stiff place, not too tight nor too loose. Keep performing the same steps for all the pistons from top to bottom. Once you replace all pistons, it Is time for the gaskets! 

The Pieces Back in Place 

Systematically, all the pieces of engine you removed earlier will go back in place, starting with the replacement of gaskets and installation of the cylinder head. The next step is the exhaust and intake manifold that needs replacement or cleaning. Place the auto parts back in place and screw them good, checking and rechecking the valves. Align the cylinder with the timing of the crankshaft so nothing goes out of balance. Return the timing belt and oil container. Hook and secure the vacuum lines and recheck the connections and fill up with engine oil. It is better to change the oil filter after the cleaning procedure. 

Run the engine and go for a drive, you are all set to go.

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Joshua Wallace
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