Piston and rings

[Markus T]

I have a 1990 G8 that I have named, 'little smokie'. It runs great but burns oil. I bought a piston and ring kit. I was wondering if you have to pull the entire engine to replace the piston or can you just pull the push rods, and head and get access to the piston from there?

[cgtech]

it all comes out the side cover where the drive clutch is. it does not allow the jug to be removed from the top like a 2-cycle. while i suppose it would be possible to remove the side cover with the motor in the cart, i dont know anyone who would want to try that nightmare of getting everything back together perfect from the side & half-blind. just pull the motor, its not too much work.

[nobuckbuild]

well he did start off backwards by buying a piston and rings before pulling it apart to see what was needed so why not continue to do it the hard way ?

[Markus T]

Thanks for the input, I will get to pulling the engine. I appreciate your time and insight.

[smallblock450sl]

If you can, gentle pry the saide case off leaving the cam and balancer in the block. Rotate the carnk to TDC and take note of the alighnment markings of the cam and balancer. If you don't see one on the ballance and crank, make your own mark for assembly.