Michael Pardee wrote:
>
> "Duarte" <suarezn518@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1145311538.216767.57910@t31g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> > OK...I have another newbie question. I was able to remove the head off
> > my 92 accord thinking that maybe my head gasket was blown. The head
> > gasket actually looks in pretty good shape. I will replace anyway. Now,
> > the thing I would like to do is take the pistons out and
> > inspect/replace the rings, clean out, etc...Is this possible without
> > removing the whole engine and turning it upside down as the manual
> > states. Could I do it from the bottom if I removed the oil pan? Any
> > info would be appreciated.
> >
> Haven't done it on a Honda engine, but the general rule is that the
> crankshaft has to come out to get the pistons out the bottom.

True if you want to get them out the bottom side of the block, but since the
head is off most folks would take them out through the top (in my
experience, Hondas rarely have a ridge at the top of the cylinder).
Typically, you just need to pull the oil pan and then remove the rod caps.
The pistons can then be removed by tapping on the rods with a wooden handle
such as a hammer handle). The caps need to go back on the same connecting
rod they came from so, if you do this, mark them with a metal scribe as you
take them out and also mark the rods.

> If you don't have something known to be seriously wrong with the pistons,
> for the love of your sanity leave them be. They are fine if you aren't
> burning a lot of oil, and disturbing them will only make things worse.

Agreed, it might be best to leave them alone unless there's a known problem.
Once you take them out, you should replace the rings and the rod bearings.
It's a lot of work and extra expense and, if it's not done right, then it
could make things worse, much worse.

In addition, if don't take the pistons out, then you'll want to put some ATF
on the top of the pistons to prevent the deposits in the ring grooves from
drying out. Use just enough to cover the tops of the pistons and remove it
before you put the head back on. Using the ATF will help prevent the motor
from burning oil after you get the head back on the block.

Lastly, one thing that I'm curious about is why the head was pulled in the
first place? Also, my rule book says to replace the thermostat when you do
the head unless it was recently done (using OE parts).

Eric