91 Toyota Camry: Can I change pistion rings w/o removing engine?

Question

I have a 91 Camry LE with 181k miles on it. Recently, I checked all the cylinders for compression. They all tested between 150 and

155#. One of the cylinders, however, could not hold its compression. It fell steadily after reaching its top compression of 150#. I assume that this is either bad valves or bad rings. If it's the valves, I know I can take the head off without removal of the engine. However, I am not sure if I can change the piston rings without removing the engine. Is this possible on this car.

Also, is there a simple way for a a diy'er to determine if the problem with the leaking compression comes from the valves or the pistions? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Al Kondo

Brent P · Accepted Answer

Put a little heavy oil into the clyinder through the spark plug holeand see if that improves the compression. If so then it's rings, ifnot you are looking at valves or head gasket.

Mike Behnke · Answer

Put a teaspoonful of oil in the suspect cylinder and turn over engine several times without starting and re-do compression test on that cylinder.  If pressure drops at a similar rate, you're probably looking at the valves.  Slower pressure drop would indicate rings.Al K

Bruce Chang · Answer

Typically valves drop the pressure immediately.  Rings will hold somepressure for some amount of time.-Bruce

91 Toyota Camry: Can I change pistion rings w/o removing engine?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?