1997 Honda Accord Piston ring replacement

CL1180

MEMBER
1997 HONDA ACCORD
2.2L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

I'm currently replacing my head gasket and oil pan gasket on my 1997 honda accord se. I'm an intermediate mechanic and understand most. What I'm having trouble with is, I'm not sure weather to replace the rings while I have everything pulled down to the extent it is. I was not having an issue with oil pressure or any colored or smokey exhaust before I started this little project and the car seemed to have decent power/compression. I checked each cylinder and they look pretty decent also. They each have a slight/very miniscule lip at the top of the cylinder and the cross hatching is still visible. Also, if its recommended that I should replace the rings. Would it be an ok idea to just change the rings with a light honing job and reusing the rod bearings without dealing with the crank? I understand that doing the rings with the crank and rod bearings with boring(if needed) and honing is the absolute correct way and proper way to do it, but the engine is still in car and I have no intention of pulling it what so ever. I just need to know if it would be ok to reuse the bearings and just do the rings if everything is to spec after inspection. Please help with any advice. I would hate to put everything back together and 10,000 miles later have to tear is down again. Thank you.

Craig

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If you were using more than a quart of oil every 500 miles then fix it if not then just put the head back on and maybe replace valve seals long as head is off. If you can still see cross hatch and there isn't much of a ridge don't bother with it the car is getting to old to worry about crap like that. Never use old rings and honing will work if bearings to look to have to much wear then keep them otherwise replace them.