Why not try running it 1/2 quart low on oil for a few days and see if that
helps?

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Edwards" <medwards1@TRIAD.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 9:02 PM
Subject: Standard Repair Times - Rings / Heads

> Thanks to all who responded.  Sorry I forgot to mention it is an 87 2.1L
> with 82k.  The reason I'm looking at new rings is because I get smoke at
> start up after it has been sitting for a while and have noticed some oil
> consumption without a leak.  My thought was, "well the heads are already
> off, shouldn't take too long to throw on a set of rings".  That's why I
was
> so shocked when he mentioned having to split the case.  I'm new to my 2.1
> but have torn down enough Type 1 engines to know that sounds funny.
Sounds
> like the consensus is:
> The engine doesn't have to be removed to do the head seals.
> The cases don't have to be split to do the rings.
> Given John's response and the relatively low mileage I'll probably forgo
the
> bottom end rebuild and try to get out of this without too much more money.
> Seems if you go to far the economies of scale start to kick in and its
> cheaper just to exchange for a full rebuilt engine.