89CE

I know its a question of how you take care of your engine, but can some give a general lifetime of rings? Im about to install my head that I had a valve job done on and was wondering if its time to do the rings as well. My car was eating up oil like crazy and I was advised that the valve stem seals are the culprit.
But what if the real culprit are the rings? My car currently has 130,000 mile. Also, is there a way to counter the crank bolt upon tightening without taking the engine out? My impact wrench doesnt fit between the crank bolt and the condenser.
Thanks in advance.
Clint

bamberger_1

I have two w124 both well over 185kMls. The 1986 needed the valve stems seals replaced after about 100kmls. The 1990 did not need that, since the qualitiy of the seals has been dramatically increased. What means eating oil like crazy? MB says anything upto 1 quart per 1000 miles sounds still ok. If the stem seals are the problem you also have to deal with foul spark plugs. The pistion rings show their problem if the engine blows blue smoke any time gears change. And if even worse you may hear "rattling" noises. The w124 tend to loose more of the oil through the front motor lock cover(s) a small one on the top (easy to fix) and the larger one underneath (larger job to fix).
I change oil every 4-5Kmls and use 15W-40 (the cheapest I can get), that helps the older engines to better keep the oil where it belongs.