I'm waiting for my heads to get back from Shortblock Charlie. I have new base gaskets but I'm not sure what to do about the pistons. There is no need to replace the rings or hone the cylinders at this point. Is is OK to pull the cylinders off the pistons and then just put them back on using a ring compressor or should I leave the pistons in the cylinders and pull the pins?
Some will say not to disturb the piston rings, I dont buy it. Rings move around the piston when running. Any time I disturb a base gasket, I change them. The only base gasket I use on evo's is Hanna's. There may be some out there just as good, I just haven't seen them, so if someone else has a suggestion you may want to check it out. Just make sure you set the ring gaps position when you re-install. Probably makes little difference after running it for awhile, but may as well start off right.
I was worried about pulling the rings past their normal travel area but really had no reason. I did read somewhere about leaving the piston in the cylinder if not doing rings. It just seemed more difficult to remove the clips and pins than it is to use a ring compressor.
The stock base gaskets have been a problem since day one with evo's. I've personally pulled 20 - 30 engines apart for this reason alone. I've tried every conceivable fix and the only one that I've found that works every time ( no more leaks ) is a conbination of James Base gaskets and Hayden oil dowells. Well worth the little bit extra and then you can relax knowing you won't have to tear down your engine after 1o,ooo miles to do the base gaskets again.
Base gasket replacement
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