[Vwdiesel] Can't get my pistons out!

[Kenneth E. Oldrid]

Hi all,
my 86 jetta diesel (250k) has compression so low (150-250psi) it would not
start or run. After removing head, I measured the cylinder bore. It was .011mm
over bore diameter in some places, where recommended wear limit is .03. It was
also out of round past the wear limit. I thought I might try replacing the
rings and squeeze out a year or so from this otherwise great engine. The haynes
manual says to remove the carbon ring at top of cylinder with a scraper, not
damaging the rest of the bore. Well, I did my best with some fine sand paper
and a scraper. But, there is still a lip where the piston rings stop at top of
stroke. I can't push the pistons up through the hole. Seeing as this lip seems
to be actual wear and not carbon, I'm thinking that new rings might not be the
best idea. Of course, I'm a poor student tring to keep 3 cars going (vanagon
diesel and subaru outback) and I don't want to scrap this car. Any suggestions
on an inexpensive fix? I'm trying to find a machine shop to get an idea how
much a rebore will cost. Would it be a bad idea to buy a used block from
someone? Thanks,
Ken