Tricks to get piston rings to reseat?
06-12-2011, 09:43 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2
Tricks to get piston rings to reseat?
I've been having some issues for a while, so I thought I would turn to you gearheads on the internet for some much-needed advice. I've got a '69 Mustang with a 302. It was restored about 7 to 8 years ago. Long story short, it had to sit for a few of those years, without being run, due to some family issues. When I finally got it up and running again, it ran very well. Over the past year or two it's gotten progressively worse. The car just has no power anymore. That's when I decided to do a compression test. The test revealed what I had been afraid of - low compression. I was getting anywhere from 70 to 100 psi per cylinder. I've heard some people say it is possible to pour Marvel Mystery Oil or Liquid Wrench down the spark plug holes, then letting it sit overnight to absorb the fluids, then starting it the next day with restored compression. Is there any validity to these "tricks" to restore compression? I'm hoping someone can give me some advice. Thanks!
06-13-2011, 09:23 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2
The engine has less than 5000 miles on it. I had a valve job done a little over a year ago. Along with that I replaced the head and intake gaskets. The cylinders have a fresh bore. There is no way it could be cylinder wear. I have also adjusted each one of my valves multiple times. Everything is in order which leaves me to believe it is the piston rings.
06-13-2011, 04:39 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location:
Posts: 3,062
So why not confirm it with a leakdown test? And I'd be pretty impressed if there was a magical elixir liquid that would fix compression for any length of time. Maybe a quick cure for a car you're trying to sell though.. 
06-19-2011, 06:40 PM
#5
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 111
I read in an Engine building mag a year or so ago that they used a couple drops of ATF in the cylinders and that helped re-seat the rings.
But I would still do the leak down test first before I did anything if this is a car that needs to be restored not just simple quick fix.
But I would still do the leak down test first before I did anything if this is a car that needs to be restored not just simple quick fix.
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