Re: New rings

Posted by Packard Don On 2024/7/7 18:45:10

These engines don't crank over fast and never did even when new. Today, having a weak battery, worn starter or - the biggest problem - too small of battery cables which need to be at least 0 AWG or better 00 AWG. anything smaller will draw too much current and it won't reach the starter.

You did what many people do is to just start throwing parts at it without properly diagnosing the issue as low compression does not automatically mean that it needs new rings. More likely it just needed soaking in oil to free the rings and valve guides so I always recommend removing the plugs and filling the cylinders with oil, leaving it a day or so, cranking it by hand a quarter turn or so, refilling the cylinders, then letting it set another day or so. Repeat as needed for about a week. Once done, remove the plugs, lay a towel down the length to catch the oil, then crank it over to blow it out. In most cases, this will restore full compression even on slightly worn engines.

That said, you're at a point now where it's too late for that so disassembly is needed to check the ring gap, remove any ridge no matter how slight (even a tiny one can break rings) and put on a new head gasket. Olson's Gaskets in Washington State carries them and they are very fast with shipping. Probably honing the valves while your at it won't wort but be sure not to mix them up so as to put them each back where they came from. The shop manual is here as a PDF so best to read through the engine section for details on these things.

Being somewhat dyslexic, I accidentally said to fill the cylinders with lio which autocorrect made into poi! Glad I spotted it as poi would be an odd thing with which to fill cylinders.