1987 GMC Safari replacing rings

Tiny
BULLSAFARI
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 GMC SAFARI
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
I think I sucked a ring on one cylinder. A mechanic told me he could fix it without pulling the engine. Is that possible and can you only replace the rings on one cylinder without adversely affecting future performance. Right now it won't pass smog (860 ppm unburnt fuel, 200 max to pass).
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:27 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
You would have to remove the cylinder head. Why does he think the rings are bad? Low compression? Misfiring?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
BULLSAFARI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
While driving uphill at about 65 mph I felt an intense cough and engine ran rough since. When I replaced the spark plugs I found the front drivers side plug badly fouled. I've put a hot plug in and have to clean it every few hundred miles. My gas mileage has gone down and am burning oil. Not smoking bad, just initially in the morning. Again, failed smog test with 860 ppm unburnt fuel.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
If compression is ok then I think your problem is a valve seal. They are very common for this engine and this can be changed by removing the valve cover and spark plug only and is a fairly easy job.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:46 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Smog Fail Content