4AGE Prizm GSI Engine Q"s

[gekishibu86]

I'm in the process of tearing the engine apart due to horrible oil consumption (one quart every 150 miles). During tear down, I noticed the the two top ring gaps on all pistons are not 180 degrees apart and very close to each other. This engine has not been apart so I'm pretty sure it's like this every since. Is there a possibility those rings "walked" at their present position that contributed to the bad blow by and oil consumption?

[Flashmn]

Did you own the car since it was new? IF not, how can you be 100% sure the engine wasnt opened. No rings dont move around.

[gekishibu86]

I know the first owner I bought the car from and he has not had the engine torn down. I can also tell it has not been apart by the way the rtv like seal between the pan , windage tray and block.

[Flashmn]

I can also tell it has not been apart by the way the rtv like seal between the pan , windage tray and block.

That wont tell you much. If you're 100% of the engine, then its a mistake in the manufacteuring, then again if they are somewhat apart is a whole lot better than having the ring gaps aligned.

[gekishibu86]

That's what I thought too, a manufacturing defect cause the gaps are about 20mm to 25 mm apart on all pistons. Oh well, time to install Total Seal gapless rings!

[94_Rolla_Guy]

you have a look at the oil rings yet, they seem to have a tendancy to get stuck up in the ring grooves thats the problem im having with my 7afe