I've got a '72 MGB that uses oil as if it were gas. I tried
manipulating the smog control devices on my own, to no avail, hoping it
would be a quick temporary fix. Now I'm left with two possibilities -
the rings or valves (or both). I've got a Haynes manual, but it doesn't
really explain how to tell which is the likely problem, or how to test
them. I am thinking about pulling the head off and just seeing what it
looks like in there, but I figured I'd see if anyone has anything helpful
to say before I do. What do I look for with worn rings or valves?
I'm thinking about trying to replace the valves, springs, etc.,
with new parts, grind the valve seats with paste, and replace just the
rings on the pistons. I've never tinkered with pistons before, so I know
nothing. How do I determine if oversized rings are needed? Can I expect
some improvement by changing just the rings without a full rebuild (and
w/o new pistons), granted, I don't know what the pistons look like, but
assuming they are not ruined? I'm not looking for 'like new,' at the
moment, I just want it to get better _oil_ mileage until I can afford to
fully rebuild the engine (or replace it with a cheaper to maintain American
one).
-Scott Allen
js-allen@students.uiuc.edu
"At dawn we will face the greatest test of our resolve. But I
say this: though starving, hunger will not weaken us; though diseased,
illness will not cripple us, and though weary, exhaustion will not claim
us. We can fight knowing that all true Reiklanders will forevermore
honour our valiant gesture of defiance, even though our bodies be left to
feed the beasts of carrion.
Mind you...we could always surrender." -Rick Priestly's Siege
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