Snapped Piston Rings and Head Bolt

echelonunit37

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Oceanside, CA
i took my engine apart 2 weeks ago to take a look at the cylinder. I took the head and sleeve off and cleaned off the top of the piston (for some reason there was a bunch of gunk on there). When I was trying to put the jug/sleeve back on, I got really frustrated while trying to put the rings back in and i ended up snapping a little bit off of both rings. As if that wasn't bad enough, When I was tightening down the head bolts, I accidentally snapped the front-left one. Despite all of the wisdom you guys give, I made that crucial mistake of not using a torque wrench. So no need to say, I lost a bunch of compression and torque. And after riding it for about a week, my engine was just SOAKED in oil and ****. Now, I'm not sure if the actual head bolt missing is the problem or if it's just leaking from the head gasket. Also, Are the piston rings worrisome or can I keep them in there and replace them somewhere around Christmas?
 
How I look at it.........
The cylinder studs are like your legs...cut one off, and the rings are like lungs...remove part.

Why people don't heed advise of others and then come on here and admit it, and now is asking for help....go back to all the advise you blew out the window and use the search mode....enough said.
 
Alright man. I understand your frustration. I had college the next day and I was just trying to get my MB back together so I had some kind of transportation. I just figured I'd put a thread up for my specific combination of problems. I don't mean to disrespect you or anybody else on here. I just need help. As soon as I get money, my bike is getting the grand treatment. I need to keep it running until then or until I get my Bug up and running.
 
this is why a ring compressor does wonders.
There are 4 head studs for a reason, if the head gasket could be sealed by using 3 studs, then that's how the engines would be made.
of corse this is the reason why your engine lost compression, this is the same as having holes in your lungs (as Al said).
the reason your engine is soaked in oil is because the oil is being blown out of the head gasket where the broken stud is.

All the "Gunk" on top of your piston was more than likely oil residue(which is normal).
I don't know why so many people do not understand the phrase "if it aint broke, don't fix it". Why did you take the engine apart for anyway? was there a problem, or were you just curious?
 
I knew why it lost compression and where the oil was coming from. The reason I took it apart was I was trying to find a replacement stud. I needed to take the jug off to remove the remaining stud. I had opened up my engine before(when it wasn't turning over) so I figured there would be no problem doing this again to retrieve the stud.
I may be only 18 years old but my life mission is to show that my generation isn't completely idiotic and hands-off. I've recruited friends of mine into the MB community and they say themselves that there is no better way to spend a weekend than tinkering and riding these things. If we make a few mistakes on the way, so be it. I just ask you guys for a little patience.
 
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ok, i didn't know that the stud was broken before you took it apart.
so you took it apart to replace the broken stud...makes more sense now.
I applaud you for diving in and trying to fix it then.

The fact that you are 18 has nothing to do with it, and as a matter fo fact, i'm glad to see a teenager who takes the initiative to fix an engine. seriously, most "kids" these days would just throw it away and buy a new one.
It's great that you are doing this.
I hope you didn't think i was tryng to make you seem like an idiot.
We all have to learn somehow, and this is the best way to learn. get in there and get your hands dirty.
 
So my engine runs fine for the moment. Just lost compression because of the obvious leak in the head gasket. I guess my only question is about the piston rings. There is a larger gap in the circumference on both rings. Is the consequence just lost compression or do I need to worry about something worse?
 
Just replace that one stud for now

Why don't you just replace that stud?
It should only cost a few dollars, and you should able to ride it for a while untill you have money to fix it up right.
That's what I would do if thus happen to me.
K
 
Yeah, I'm making a trip down to Ace later today. I need some American Steel! Not this Chinese quality ****. Instead of using acorns on the studs, what should I use?
 
Just use standard nuts, along with decent replacement studs. Torque to about 12 foot-pounds and Bob's your uncle.

If I were you, I wouldn't run the engine until the stud and rings are replaced.
You're risking over-heating at the moment.
As motorpsycho said, it's good that you're having a go, but patience is a virtue, so wait until you get the new parts.
(My 2c worth)
 
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