Looks like it would save time and effort if you pulled the motor, I think.
A factory service manual would help.

Thinking of doing the same in the spring.

 

all you have to do is take the motor out of the car.
then take off the heads.
flip the motor upside down.
then take off the oil pan
take off the connecting rod caps (im not sure if thats the correct term)
slide pistons out. might hav to us a rubber malet to give the piston a push.
make sure u know which pistion goes to which cylinder and dont mix up the bearings and caps.
i forgot the correct name for the tool is but i just call it the pliars to take off piston rings.
use that tool to take off the piston rings.
then install new rings.
and do everything in the reverse order.and make sure you torque everything to spec.
also when you put it back together make sure no dirt or fibers get into the block or it will tear the motor into pieces.

 

It's so easy a caveman can do it.

Ok, maybe a caveman with a little training in tools and the proper tools.

I've never done it but every time I read about how to do it it sounds so easy.

Gil

 

I wonder if the Flat Rate Manual has a hour figure for this ?????????

 

Is it at all possible to do this without pulling the engine?

Also, are there any additional gaskets, etc, that would have to be replaced due to the teardown? What about special tools?

 

i'm not sure if its possible to do it with out taking the engine out, because u would have very little room to work under the car but it could be possible. since you can take the heads off the car without taking out the engine. but it would probably be hard and take a lot of more time to do it. from my experiences with motors I've always taken the motor out of the car, and that usually takes about an hour or two.
as for tools all you really need is:
socket set
torque wrench
the pliers to take off piston rings(don't know the correct term)
i don't remember the name of this but its basically rubber cover that goes over the thread on the end of the connecting rod after you take off the caps so that it doesn't scratch the bore of your engine when you take out the piston. (i can ask what the name of it is, if you have know idea what im talking about)
cherry picker
and an engine stand
o yea and a rubber mallet is always handy
thats all you really need if you just plan on changing the piston rings. but if you decide to do a complete tear down and clean everything out and rebuild it your gonna need a little bit more tools and lubricants


as for gaskets i say if it needs a new one replace it, but if its still good dont worry about it. but i know some people replace the exhaust gasket every time they take off the exhaust manifold.

also when you put the head back on torque it to spec in a spiral.
and only torque things half way and then go around and torque them at full specs.

 

Have you gone ahead and tried doing it?
Did you take the engine out?

 

ajace...welcome to the site. Please be aware of the dates of these posts. November 2008 is almost 6 1/2 years ago. These guys may not even be around anymore. Just so you are aware.

 

Here is the link to the sticky for replacing the piston rings while also fixing oil consumption:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/131-8th-generation-1998-2002/402362-diy-oil-consumption-fix.html

 

I just did this with the engine in, if you have availability to a hoist it wouldn't be horrible but still sucks. I than did a swap, and redid the rings on the new engine/drilled the Pistons, and it was way quicker, way less stressful and annoying just pulling the engine out and doing the work, not to hard to get the engine out

 

So considering all the pros and cons: is it less hassle to take the engine out or leave it in?

 

It sounds like it's easier taking the engine out according to the recent post. A lot of guys tried doing the fix like Bennie while leaving it in and I'd say more than half didn't fully fix the problem or they ended up causing a different problem.

 

Check out this video. This guy does a great job recording this repair.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A595LR4SQpI

 

That video should be added to the sticky its as complete as you could ever ask for. Great find.

 

That is one hell of a video. Although it's done in the video, I heard that honing isn't necessary because the rings are low tension and seat themselves on startup. Maybe I will try this some day.

 

G_gazoo could you send me a link to it? I'll add it to the sticky. I'll put it under the one made by Bennie- I'll also put "method two".