How to Replace Piston Rings Without Removing Engine

In most instances the process is similar, and the basics are that there is some hard work ahead of you, but you can do it. Without much ado, let’s take a look at the steps required to replace piston rings without removing the engine block.

Some Tips

Step 1

Drain the oil and remove the oil pan. Start off by removing all the oil from the oil pan and then remove the oil pan.

Step 2

Remove the Piston Rod Bolts (Cap Nuts). After you have removed the oil pan, locate the piston rod bolts and unscrew each cap individually. Make sure you place each individual cap in an identified position, you don’t want to mix them up when you come to return them, or you will bind the engine.

Step 3

Remove the Piston. Now that the cap is off, note cap not caps, you want to do this one at a time. You now push the piston out through the bore and all the way up and out of the engine.

Step 4

Signage. Now that you have the rod and its cap place it in a specific location and tag it with the cylinder number so that you will know how to replace them.

Step 5

Remove the Piston Rings. Now take out the piston rings and make sure to destroy the fire ring, you do this by breaking it in half. Using one half of the broken fire ring, clean out the ring groove of all deposits.

Step 6

Clean the Piston. Now take your piston and clean it up, you use a soft cloth and solvent. Make sure the piston is completely dry before returning it back into place.

Step 7

Install the New Rings. You will need a ring compression tool for this step. You start off by installing the piston into the engine block using the compression tool and use hammer handle to press the piston into place.

Step 8

Replace the Cap. Before installing the cap, oil the new bearing. Take the associated cap and screw it back on together with the new oiled bearing.

Step 9

Torquing. Now use a torque wrench and secure the rod cap nuts using the manufacturing guidelines as a reference to the correct torque. Repeat steps 5 through 9 until all the pistons have been replaced.

Step 10

Replace the Gaskets. Now that the pistons have been replaced, your work is not over. The head gasket has to be replaced before you install the cylinder head. Make sure to check the cylinder head valves and the valve guides before you put them back. Also, replace the exhaust and intake gaskets and replace them too before completing the cylinder head installation.

Step 11

Install the Cylinder head. Now you can put the cylinder head back on, make sure you align it with the timing to the crankshaft.

Step 12

Finishing Up. Now return the timing belt to its place, and return the oil pan. Check the intake and exhaust brackets and make sure the vacuum lines are all hooked up. Check all connections for integrity.

Step 13

Oil. Its time to fill your engine up with oil, but before you do, replace the oil filter.

Step 14

Testing. Turn the engine on and let it run for a while, this will help circulate oil around the engine.

Final Note

After installing new piston rings, let your engine have some easy time, Don’t take it out for a hard test and don’t put too much pressure on your engine for a while. This break-in period will allow the engine time to adjust to the new components and maintain good oil pressure and smooth running.