I recently installed new piston rings(Arias/JG pistons) on my H22A1 engine, but my vacuum reading sits at about 18" at idle, I think it's supposed to be around 20-22". Also I get a stight oil smell from my exhaust, but I haven't seen any oil/smoke. I set my top ring gap to .022" and the second to 0.018"(according to Arias). I'm using 5w-30 Penzoil Oil to aid in faster ring seating. Please advise on any possible cause.

 

Did you disconnect any of the EGR and/or vaccum lines while you were doing the work? Something may be hooked up incorrectly and crankcase pressure is out of whack.

 

Actually, I no longer have an EGR valve.....it was removed and the holes filled with aluminum. I also removed the EGR Solenoid. As far as I know everything else is hooked up correctly.

 

umm i may be mistaken but running alighter weight oil isnt wbest for oil seating...i beleive it should be 10w-30.....

also how long have the rings been installed have you finished the break in period?

if not they will burn oil for a bit during break in

 

The rings were recently replaced......only put about 50 miles on the engine since. I know it will burn oil until it has broken in, but should I smell the oil/see a little blueish smoke from my tailpipe? I got the 5w-30 weight idea from the man himself, "Larry a.k.a. Mr. T.O.O."

 

give the rings time to seat. i had the same problem on my old dsm.