Replacing Piston Rings

[theronin]

I just performed a compression test on my baby and it was very low on all 4 cylinders (under 150 for all 4) standard is around 179 IIRC. I proceeded to pour a capful of oil into each cylinder then retest each one. the readings i got were about 200-210 a cylinder. So from this i assume that my rings are bad! the engine has 115k on her and i never take her up into the high rpms or bash on her at all. so my question is, how easy is it to replace the rings? Could i do it myself? I have done my brakes and vlsd, just wanted to know if it was feasible at all to undergo it myself! Does anyone have any ideas or advice for me? thanks in advance. Logan

[Aries]

I just performed a compression test on my baby and it was very low on all 4 cylinders (under 150 for all 4) standard is around 179 IIRC. I proceeded to pour a capful of oil into each cylinder then retest each one. the readings i got were about 200-210 a cylinder. So from this i assume that my rings are bad! the engine has 115k on her and i never take her up into the high rpms or bash on her at all. so my question is, how easy is it to replace the rings? Could i do it myself? I have done my brakes and vlsd, just wanted to know if it was feasible at all to undergo it myself! Does anyone have any ideas or advice for me? thanks in advance. Logan

it is possible to do yourself.Just not practical or easy

[theronin]

How much does it usually run ya?

[Aries]

How much does it usually run ya?

depending on the machine shop, $150-$400

[theronin]

does that include parts or should i source those myself?

oh btw does my diagnosis sound correct aries?

[Aries]

does that include parts or should i source those myself?

oh btw does my diagnosis sound correct aries?

Diagnosis sounds correct, and the prices may or may not include parts, just depends where...

Cheaper prices usually are labor only, and you can usually get the rings cheaper from Jayson at Trophy Nissan in Dallas (JaysonReliford on these boards) than the shops can

[theronin]

does he have an email... admin disabled pm's

[TomsMR2]

you're compression is evenly low, which is a GOOD thing... the rings are worn, and should be replaced soon, but i dont think its gonna blow out soon.

i disagree with aries, its WAY more practical to do it yourself. go rent a ring compressor, and a cross hatch, its not that hard to do really. a shop will RAPE YOUR *** in labor costs.

[theronin]

you're compression is evenly low, which is a GOOD thing... the rings are worn, and should be replaced soon, but i dont think its gonna blow out soon.

i disagree with aries, its WAY more practical to do it yourself. go rent a ring compressor, and a cross hatch, its not that hard to do really. a shop will RAPE YOUR *** in labor costs.

could you show me a walkthrough with pics? that would really help me to make a decision

Oh lol does the fact that its a 20 yr old tester make any difference? i just thought about that

[TomsMR2]

.. im hoping you checked the compression while the engine was at operating temperature

go pickup a $10 haynes or chiltons manual. its fully detailed and illustrated on how to remove/install pistons.

[theronin]

.. im hoping you checked the compression while the engine was at operating temperature

go pickup a $10 haynes or chiltons manual. its fully detailed and illustrated on how to remove/install pistons.

Yes she was at operating temperature! This will just finally prompt me to go to nissan and get myself an FSM, been putting it off for too long!

[I am Technoman]

If you take down the engine to replace rings and bearings. Have the block honed for chrome and use 99 Altima rings. They are chrome and can really take the heat and only cost around 70 bucks!

[theronin]

Well, it seems that using a 20 yr old compression tester does in fact make a big difference! i bought a new one today and the compression was PERFECT!!! thanks for all your help guys!

[TomsMR2]

lol, good to hear man

what do they do to the cylinders to accept chrome (chromoly?) rings? is it a special hone or something?

[JJ240]

You use a hone with alot higher grit.