I would like to ask the experts for an honest opinion even if it is not
what I want to hear. Because of high oil consumption at idle and low
rpms, I have the head off the XPAG engine of my '51 MGTD MkII for new
valves, valve guides, valve seals and hardened seats (all exhaust valves
were recessed). It is at a machine shop right now.
While the head is off, I thought it best to disconnect the connecting
rods and poke the pistons up (not out) so I could inspect the rings and
cylinder walls. They were all fine.
Tonight I was at our local British Car Club meeting. While discussing my
rebuild of the XPAG, one guy alarmed me! He said I should never have
pushed the pistons up. He said once you expose the rings, you never,
NEVER put the pistons back in the cylinder without replacing the rings
and honing the cylinders. He said that even if you did not move the
rings (as I did to properly stagger the gaps), the wear pattern would
never be matched again. He said without replacing the rings and honing
the cylinders, my compression will go down and I will burn oil (the one
thing I am trying to eliminate with this repair work).
Is this Gospel? Am I in trouble by reinserting the pistons with the old
rings? Perhaps take into consideration that new pistons and rings were
installed in rebored cylinders just 11,000 miles ago (one year ago).
Prior to poking up the pistons, I inspected the top of the cylinders for
a ridge for any indication of wear. There was none.
Since there was the possibility that my high oil consumption could be
from BOTH valves and rings, I took the opportunity to inspect the rings
while the head was off.
Did I screw up???
The real proof of the pudding will be when I get the TD back together
and running. Then I will be able to determine if I have a problem. But
while the head is off, are there any checks or things I can do?
Stu Keen (in prayer)
51 MGTD MkII
Venice, FL
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