sidespar

I need some advice.

squidix9

What do you need to know?

sidespar

I need to figure out what needs to be replaced. Do I need to pull the engine out, or can I just rebuild it in place?

I have no experience with building engines, but I have done pretty much everything else on cars (self-taught). How do I get started?

squidix9

Why do you want to rebuild it? How many miles, what is wrong with the motor as it is now if anything?

To do a proper job, yes it should come out in any event.

quattro87

One thing I would like to know is where to buy 7A standard size rings.

squidix9

I think I may have a couple sets in stock

sidespar

Sounds like the piston rings are toast.

Can I just pull the motor and go from there?

Is there a write up on engine removal from the 90? I have the bentley, but it is more of schematics instead of instructions.

sidespar

Any help?

squidix9

Could be either valve stem seals or rings causing the smoke. A quick compression check before teardown would be wise. Could spot worn rings or possibly a warped head. Although I'd expect it to have a coolant problem first if that were the case.

The motor can be pulled 3 different ways (at least). One is to drop the subframe and everything with it. Or you can pull the engine out the engine from above either with or without the transmission. The equipment you have available to you will determine what options you have.

The basic outline is to disconnect every connection from the engine to the chassis and get it out of the way. Labeling everything extensively while you are doing it is essential. Removing as many of the bolt-ons will help with weight and also clearnace when removing it no matter how you try to do it.

The subframe bolts likely will be frozen and you're looking at alignment if you go that way. Also managing lowering it all might not be possible with a driveway job. Pulling it from the top obviously means some sort of a hoist. Getting the engine bay cleared is key. Removing the front upper support will give you added room to work with.

Any specific questions?

sidespar

The car doesn't have any coolant leaks (I have to top it off every 4 or 5 months).

Once I get the engine out, where do I go from there? I'm worried there will be damage to the cylinder walls since it has been driven very low on oil a few times. What happens then?

Can you recommend a book or a guide on engine rebuilding for a first-timer?