2.4 Rebuild Help

[Duner]

Hey all,

I finally got my block back for my 03 2.4L. I have a few questions to help get this rolling.

Piston Rings:

The pistons are 0.50mm over, but I’m not exactly sure what size rings I need ,what the gap should be, or what brands are the best to get. I did some digging and couldn’t find much, but maybe I didn’t search hard enough.

Block Gasket Sealant:

The 2.4 has a two piece block, and when I pulled it apart I noticed it looked red. What exactly is the right sealant to put on the mating surface between the blocks?

Assembly Lubrication:

What is the best oil to put on piston rings, crankshaft bearings, etc. during assembly?

Break in Oil:

What brand oil is recommended for breaking the engine in? I know to at least avoid synthetic.

I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but this is what I have as of now.

 

[macleanflood]

Permatex Ultra Slick for assembly lube.
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81950-Ultra-Engine-Assembly/dp/B000HBNVSK/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Valvoline VR-1 for break in oil.

Loctite 518 between the block pieces or whatever the factory service manual specificies.

I'd call Total Seal tomorrow and discuss your piston ring needs.

-Mac

 

[Duner]

Permatex Ultra Slick for assembly lube.
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81950-Ultra-Engine-Assembly/dp/B000HBNVSK/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Valvoline VR-1 for break in oil.

Loctite 518 between the block pieces or whatever the factory service manual specificies.

I'd call Total Seal tomorrow and discuss your piston ring needs.

-Mac

Looks like you’ve been around the block before

thanks for the help!

 

[macleanflood]

At least you're in a shop and not a gravel parking lot next to Napa...

-Mac

 

[Duner]

At least you're in a shop and not a gravel parking lot next to Napa...

-Mac

Bet that was a satisfying fix to get her home tho!

 

[Duner]

Valvoline VR-1 for break in oil.

I’m guessing this is it

VR-1

 

[Duner]

Something else I noticed. Early on in the FSM for assembly it mentions a gasket sealant, but never states to apply it in the step by step process.

 

[macleanflood]

Thread sealant... something like this...

https://www.permatex.com/products/t...ants/permatex-seal-lock-thread-compound-6-ml/

-Mac

 

[Duner]

Wasn’t able to get a hold of total seal a few minutes ago, but I did do some digging in the meantime. I think these rings would work.

DNJ

 

[Duner]

Got the rings, trying to verify the gap. Pistons are 0.50mm (~0.020”) oversized with a piston diameter of 87.97mm. I found the stock gaps in the manual, but I’m not sure what the new oversized gaps should be. I read the gap increases by 0.003” per inch increase of cylinder diameter. Are these new gaps correct?