Worn Piston Rings Question
 

Just out of curiosity- who knows how much a ring job would run on an m103 engine?

And if I was to tackle this myself in the near future, what skill level are we talking about? I'm pretty sure my piston rings are worn due to the smoke coming form the valve cover breather tube.

Thanks

I doubt your rings are bad, most likely valve stems/seals. If your rings are in fact bad, you would be better off buying a junkyard engine.

The bottom end of the m103 NEVER goes bad unless you run it without oil

That would be pretty damn spectacular, I hope you're right. If it is the valve stem seals, is that affordable and easy to do?

M103 valve stem seals go bad eventually. See the resources tab above, someone wrote up a how to in the DIY articles.

Much cheaper than piston rings! If you are not 100% sure, take it to a mechanic. In fact, for $120 bucks, you can get it diagnosed by the dealer.

How much oil are you using?

Found it. Never noticed that resources link. Thanks for pointing that out!

Changing valve stem seals will have no effect on the OPs concerns.
@ OP-Some "smoke" is normal. If that is the only issue then it's likely you really have no issue.

I'm not really sure how much oil I use. I usually check my oil every month and it falls in between the two marks on the dipstick pretty consistently.

Here's a video, maybe you guys can tell me if this is a problem or if it's normal. This is from a cold start, so you can barely make out the smoke. It puffs out considerably more once it reaches operating temp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HUnON7jfQ

Thats nothing to be concerned with.

Just keep checking the oil, the m103 is known for leaks, and oil consumption.

Wow, what a turn of events. I've always thought that blow-by meant worn piston rings. Nevertheless, thanks for the good news!

blowby is through rings..

But, the guides on early M103's were soft- they wear and age/head and loose guides cause failure of the valve stem seals. The vacuum on the intake stroke, pulls the oil through the guide and down into combustion.

M103's are not real leakers- mine's dry and it's had 1-2 v/c gaskets, re-seal the timing cover 2X, and the big o-ring on the oil level sensor once. 25 years of driving.



Michael