Hole in my Piston? What?

jiipin · 07-14-2005, 05:42 PM

well, here's the story. I went to the local 4x4 shop to have them change out the front drv u joint (I had broken 2 half inch extensions trying to break the rust bond on the spindle nut, using a 5 ft breakover bar). Anyway, They checked the engine out too, and said that my engine is totally ABOUT TO DIE (with stress on the DIE part). It's an '87 4.0 with 175k on it, and takes about 5-7 quarts between oil changes. It starts up great every time, has never failed, and I've put about 5k on it in the past month driving all around the country, hauling cars and whatnot. He said that it either had NO rings left, (they're extremely worn out), or that I had a hole in a piston. I'm about to go to Oklahoma and back (from CO), and, well, do any of you have these problems with massive blow-by, should I just forget what he said and keep tooting along, or should I just baby it and use it for snowy days in the winter? Remember that I am very 'po.' Thanks for suggestions

anony91xj · 07-14-2005, 05:46 PM

Well, if you had a hole in a piston you'd know it...at best it would be running like a bucket of *** due to no compression in one cylinder, so you can rule out that theory.

However, your oil consumption (assuming it's not leaking) is ludicrous, and there is indeed a problem. How are you consuming 5-7 quarts in 3000 miles and not leaving a thick smokescreen behind you everywhere you go? You sure it's not leaking somewhere, I think that's a more likely scenario here.

However, if by some chance this oil is being burned, I'd venture a guess of valve seals or piston rings, but there could also be a problem with your PCV system somewhere. Keep the oil full and you should be OK for your trip. Have someone else check the car out and get their professional opinion.

**balloo93** · 07-14-2005, 05:57 PM

Pull the plugs. If one is saturated with oil then you have issues with bad rings. A hole in the piston is highly unlikey.

jiipin · 07-14-2005, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the advice; I don't have any real noticeable smoke, but after long trips the back hatch has a nice light coat of oil and if I'm towing something it also has a nice coat. My air filter does get a good amount of oil into it, though the lines are clean and I did the valve cover job, clean the snorkels and everything. There wasn't an inordinate amount of sludge in there or anything. Anyway, I guess I'll chalk it up to the rings and keep pouring oil into it. Yee HAw!

07-14-2005, 05:46 PM	#2
anony91xj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Jersey Posts: 2,742 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Well, if you had a hole in a piston you'd know it...at best it would be running like a bucket of *** due to no compression in one cylinder, so you can rule out that theory. However, your oil consumption (assuming it's not leaking) is ludicrous, and there is indeed a problem. How are you consuming 5-7 quarts in 3000 miles and not leaving a thick smokescreen behind you everywhere you go? You sure it's not leaking somewhere, I think that's a more likely scenario here. However, if by some chance this oil is being burned, I'd venture a guess of valve seals or piston rings, but there could also be a problem with your PCV system somewhere. Keep the oil full and you should be OK for your trip. Have someone else check the car out and get their professional opinion. __________________ 1997 VW Jetta - Daily Beater <---Totaled, seeking replacement DD 2004 GMC Envoy - Wife's Ride

07-14-2005, 05:58 PM	#4
jiipin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 79 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	word Thanks for the advice; I don't have any real noticeable smoke, but after long trips the back hatch has a nice light coat of oil and if I'm towing something it also has a nice coat. My air filter does get a good amount of oil into it, though the lines are clean and I did the valve cover job, clean the snorkels and everything. There wasn't an inordinate amount of sludge in there or anything. Anyway, I guess I'll chalk it up to the rings and keep pouring oil into it. Yee HAw!