I have a 1990 V8 in California that has 174000 miles on it and is in good condition except for one cylinder having low compression and it is now smoking pretty bad. My factory mechanic at Ingolstat West says you cannot get rings for the 1990 V8s. Does anyone anywhere have rings available or maybe a low mileage engine?

Rick

Hi!

If you look in ETKA the only option is to buy a short block but several manufacters can make you a custom set of rings or will have alredy in stock.
Just query your favorite search engine, I found this site for ex: http://www.deves.com/devesrings/cars_AUDI.html
I´m sure you can get it locally if you want (El Segundo CA), othervise an old engine is not to expensive in europe.
It would be fun to know why the engine gived up, do you have the answer?

I'm just curious. I also have a 1990 V8 that started smoking. Did you find a cure for your problem? If so, can you give me any tips or info? You can post a reply to my "Smoking V8" question in the Forum. Thanks.

To those, who is interested in ring job for V8 PT engine -- I have a set of rings from Deves and some experience how to install them.
Pasha
Pashamad@aol.com
LA, CA

This one comes from Russia. Nearly 3 years ago I did complete engine overhaul to my V8/PT/91. I got rings from Mahle - the original manufacturer of pistons and rings for this engine. I had to buy new pistons as well! The block required reboring for bigger diameter. Mahle still retail these parts, although they are hard to get. It cost me a fortune!
I had the same problem as you - the 3rd cylinder was comletely wasted and oil was just running through it. After overhaul I only add 1/2-3/4 liter of oil every 15000 km between oilchange. maquinista@mail.ru

About half year ago I've done comlete valve job and rings replacement on my 91' PT engine due to high oil consumption (about 1 qt for 400 miles) with about 200 Kmiles on it and made some improvemens in sealing and crankcase ventilation system. Bores and pistons were in tolerances. In my opinion, increased oil consumption and smoking were caused by completely clogged oil rings and drains in piston's skirt.
Now engine runs like a charm -- easy revving, pulls hard untill
6,500 rpm (about 85 mph on the second gear, autotranny) and
consumes about 0.5 qt for 3000 miles, passed CA smog check with all lowest readings.
Week ago I've bought 92' V8QA 4.2L with 89 Kmiles and don't
see much difference yet -- untill I'll put my dirty hands on it!

It would be interesting to see what the differance is between Audi V8 pistons and rings, and VW 1.8 16 valve ones? Anybody know? If compatable? VW 16v parts are easy to get... I know I used VW 16v exhaust manifold gaskets, and were cheaper than Audi dealer parts, same thing!
Paul
UK

Hi! Yes it´s interesting, this guy knows a little bit more about this matter: http://members.aol.com/oorque/ If you find out more please post it here.