Esgaroth

I have a 92 5.0 LX with over 200k miles on it. I have only had it a few months and its been running fine. All of the sudden it just quit starting. I checked the compression and each cylinder is at about 90 psi except 5 and 6 wich are about 30, obvious blown head gasket. I put a bit of oil in each cylinder but it didnt seem to change much, maybe I didnt use enough oil. Anyway I used a cylinder leakage tester and I can hear air escaping into the crankcase when I listen at the oil filler tube, and I can hear air in the intake. So I have some worn piston rings and some valves arent sealing properly.

I would like to do a rebuild, but taking it to a shop would be to costly, more than I paid for the car in the first place. I'd like to do it myself but I dont have a garage so removing the engine isnt going to work.

My chilton manual makes a brief statement about removing the pistons. It says that while undesirable and difficult, it is possible in most cases to remove the pistons with the engine installed in the vehicle.

I can see from looking under the car that it would be a pain just getting the oil pan off, I wouldnt be thinking of it if the book didnt mention it.
What do you guys think? Has anyone tried this without pulling the engine? What would have to be done differently than what the book tells me?

AdderMk2

you could always find a low(er) mileage motor in a junkyard just to get it running again... then build a new motor on the side

90GTDan

Adding oil would seal up worn rings, I would say the gasket is blown between 5 & 6 and your hearing air coming from the other cylinder. Pull the head and see what is going on there. If its just a head gasket you could do the top end of the motor without pulling the engine and do it your self. Its dead one way or the other, I don't see how pulling the head would put you in any worse shape than your already in.

5.0stanger

Even if it is just a gasket, he only has 90psi in his good cylinders...

90GTDan

Good point! lol I guess I missed that part. lol

Esgaroth

Im allready in the process of taking the heads off. Its going to have to be done no matter what. Im also going to need new piston rings. I wouldnt mind putting in a used motor. The problem is I just dont have the space to do it. The car is parked on the street and my front yard and driveway is on an almost 45 degree slope. I just wanted to see if anyone has ever had any success getting at the pistons with the engine in the car as the book says is possible to do.

5.0stanger

Most likey you cylinders are worn just a bad as your rings....I wouldn't waste the money and do it half assed, that hard way no less. I don't think you could take the pan off with out lifting the motor up anyway. It is just a bad idea.