1987 GMC Safari replacing rings

BULLSAFARI

MEMBER
1987 GMC SAFARI
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

I think I sucked a ring on one cylinder. A mechanic told me he could fix it without pulling the engine. Is that possible and can you only replace the rings on one cylinder without adversely affecting future performance. Right now it won't pass smog (860 ppm unburnt fuel, 200 max to pass).

3 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

You would have to remove the cylinder head. Why does he think the rings are bad? Low compression? Misfiring?

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Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:29 PM

BULLSAFARI

MEMBER
2 POSTS

While driving uphill at about 65 mph I felt an intense cough and engine ran rough since. When I replaced the spark plugs I found the front drivers side plug badly fouled. I've put a hot plug in and have to clean it every few hundred miles. My gas mileage has gone down and am burning oil. Not smoking bad, just initially in the morning. Again, failed smog test with 860 ppm unburnt fuel.

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Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:39 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

If compression is ok then I think your problem is a valve seal. They are very common for this engine and this can be changed by removing the valve cover and spark plug only and is a fairly easy job.

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Sunday, March 30th, 2008 AT 6:46 PM