[Vwdiesel] Nicks supersmoker problem found

[mikitka]

Well I was able to get the pistons out tonight. I was happy to see that the
oil control ring on #3 piston was broken. It was missing about ¾ of an inch
of the ring. It still had the spring all the way around but not about ¾ of
an inch from the end gap of  the scraper part.  All the rest of the pistons
looked good. The only other thing was #2 piston had the lower compression
ring gap lined up with the oil control ring gap. I was very careful taking
the pistons out. They didn’t come out very easy once they got up to the top
of the cylinder. I guess all the carbon up there made it a tighter fit.  I
guess I will find out how bad the valve indentation is on #2 piston once I
get it cleaned up as to whether or not I can use that one.  I found a place
online that I can purchase just one piston for $95 US dollars. 

 I’m glad I found something because it is fixable and not something to
wonder what the cause could have been.  Now to figure out why my oil
pressure is so low. I looked at the oil pump and can’t figure out how I
might be able to free the pressure relief valve if it is stuck open.  There
is a little hole in the end of the indented button cap, at what I think is
the relief valve. Could it be as simple as sticking something in there and
pushing in to see if it is stuck?  I looked through the Bentley and it
didn’t mention anything about the pressure relief valve.  Oh and I did see
that you torque the rod bolts to 44lbfts + a ¼ turn.  Found that
interesting.  It didn’t mention anything about not reusing them or the nuts.
So once the machine shop gets done with my head I will be back in business.
The cylinders look good. #3 has some scuff marks where the oil ring was
missing that section, I couldn’t feel anything with my finger nail. I also
looked all over the place and even was careful draining the oil pan but I
couldn’t find any thing that looked like an oil ring piece. Don’t know where
it went.  Any suggestions as to what I might need to do to this engine as I
go back together please let me know.  Remember, I’m a green horn at this
still. All your help is greatly appreciated.

Nick