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Newbie needs help - Rings or not???


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Hi All, New here just been looking round on net and found the site. Got a problem with engine missing (like its only running on 4) but made the mistake of diving in and taking the head off thinking it was the gasket. All appears fine but the pistons are slightly sloppy in the pots, should I put new rings on or leave well alone, I have had different advice from 2 local garages. I now think that the problem was not head related and was probably electrical. I have been quoted £19+VAT per piston for rings by a local VW specialist and apparently he says they are a pig to do. Has anyone done them? Do you think I should just put it back together and leave the rings, it did use a little oil but nothing alarming.

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The rings are a pig if you don't have the special tool to fit them with, as the block is not flat like most cars.

I THINK if you are using a little oil its likely to be going via the valve guides in the head.

As for the "misfire" look as the leads and plugs. Then the coil pack.

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The pistons moving in the bores isnt a sign of worn rings. The pistons do move a little side to side - they have to - so I wouldnt bother ripping the block apart. A good sign of good bores, is if you can see the cross-hatching - if this is worn away - then you are nearly at the engines life limit. Mine still had good hatching when I stripped it at 100k miles - but this was completely removed when the car overheated - engine didnt last more than 10k miles after this.

Jules

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I'm in lancs and have a brand new coil pack on my desk, its not for sale but you can try it on your car when you put the head back on if you want. Theres also one on ebay at the moment which is brand new as well.

Where abouts are you?

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Thanks for the info guys, I have decided to leave the rings for now as everyone I speak to seems to point the finger at this coil pack. (1990) Im in Preston but at the moment the vr is my spare car so rebiuld may take a while. I will let you know how we get on. Matt.

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