Topic: To replace/inspect pistons does the ENGINE have to come out on an engine stand?

[NavyKnight]

Hello,

I noticed that the piston replacement/inspection instructions in the service manual are located in the guide called "Engine Mechanical - OFF Vehicle".  Does this mean you can only work with these parts if you take the entire engine out of the car?

I am hoping I can check my pistons and seals without having to take the engine out.

My original problem after blowing up my engine was total loss of compression on Cylinder #4.  I was hoping to find some part to just replace like a head gasket, but if the piston or seal is the issue, am I facing "doom" if I have to yank the engine out of the car?

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f59/finally-blew-up-my-engine-can-you-help-me-pinpoint-failure-63981/


Please help this newbie  :  )

[DeepBlueGXP]

You can pull the heads without pulling the engine to find out if that was the problem.   But before you do any breakdown, do a compression check on all the pistons and compare them.  If the piston has a hole or crack you won't get any pressure.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/compression.htm

[NavyKnight]

THanks for the link.  If you were in my shoes, would you rather have worn cylinders/rings or a exhaust/intake valve problem?  Which one is easier/cheaper to fix?

[DeepBlueGXP]

After you do the compression test, if it fails, then I would pull the head to see what the damage is/was.  Since you had oil on top of the engine, it could be a head/gasket only...  but with pulling the top end you'll be able to see the extent of the damage.

[Gentleman Jack]

NavyKnight,

I know you have been taking some video, please try to take and include some photos as well!  I for one would love to see the inside of the engine, without having to take mine apart!  I know I can google it, but real personal photos of damage are way better!

Gentleman Jack

[Critterman]

If I had a choice on engine damage, I would go for something in the head, and not piston or ring.

[NavyKnight]

You got it.  I love entertaining requests.  I will paparazzi the engine internals and any other component you guys ask for.  I am currently just at the intake and exhaust headers removal phase, and can't remove the timing chain until I receive these 2 special tools.  It seems the risky part about the cylinder head are maintaining positions, and there are 2 tools called the camshaft actuator locking tool and the timing chain retention tool.  It's funny I actually called the dealership about these tools and they basically told me to F Uc K off, in a friendly way and said these tools were for dealerships only.  I am getting them from e-bay for $50 each.  I don't see any other way around this, so it will be my showstopper until it comes.

NavyKnight,

I know you have been taking some video, please try to take and include some photos as well!  I for one would love to see the inside of the engine, without having to take mine apart!  I know I can google it, but real personal photos of damage are way better!

Gentleman Jack