[Vwdiesel] More Ecodiesel

[Matt]

Hi Chris!

> I don't have a compression tester, so I don't know the exact
> status of the rings, but it doesn't start like when it was new - this
> winter had to crank a little when really cold, and my glow plugs are all
> good.  Once running for a minute or two, it runs really well.  Mileage
> has dipped a little in the last 6 months (42 vs 48 in past years), but
> that could be head related too.  Uses a quart of oil in 2500 miles -
> again just started that in the last 6 months.

I had this exact problem for about a year, before I started getting horrible
blowby problems.  I ended up pulling the head and re-ringing the engine

> My thought would be while the head is off, to hone it, re-ring it, and
> go until compression dictates a rebuild.  What are people's experiences
> with doing this - worth the effort, or did it not buy you enough time to
> be worth it?  Re-ringing does not seem to be too bad an effort, but if
> it doesn't accomplish much in the way of extra miles, I won't bother and
> will just do the head for now and plan a rebuild sooner than later...

Once the head is off, putting new rings and rod bearings on is pretty easy.
Just drop the oil pan, and everything is accessable.  What I ended up doing
is buying oversized rings, and filed down the ends until they were within
spec.   Once I reassembled the engine, starting problems were gone, power
was back, and I went from 38MPG to well over 50!

> What are your thoughts / suggestions?  Sorry if this topic has been
> addressed in the past - I vaguely recall this, but didn't pay close
> enough attention.

If you're going to do the head gasket, you might as well do the rings.  Just
my 2 pennies.

> Thanks in advance,
> Chris
>

Matt
http://matt_lisa.home.sprynet.com/