Yep, the piston is shot. the piston is partially melted and it covers the rings.

I am surprised that the cylinder wall is not damaged, but the piston is aluminum and the block is cast, so I guess that is why it held up.

I ordered a new ring set earlier, I have to find a piston and rod now.

 

At least you're not like general public because most people who brought this into a shop would have been leaving with a new engine.

 

That is why my Dad brought it here. No shop would do this type of work, not that I would blame them, how can you work on a single car for 3 weeks and charge 80 per hours for what 25 hours of work?

Cheaper to drop in a motor.

 

Ok, so update.

Took out the oil pan by hitting something on the road, trashed the rod bearings and the #4 cylinder Piston and rings.


After the tear down, the fix besides the oil pan was to replace the Rod bearings, Rings for all 4 cylinders, 1 to 3 looked ok, but since I pulled the piston to check, I replaced them. The Piston and rod on #4 was replaced with a used rod/piston, I installed new rings on that as well.

I drove the car to work today, runs perfectly smooth now! i'll drop it off to my dad after work.

While all was apart, I ended up replacing the thermo, coolant, waterpump, timing belt, plugs and drive belts.

I had the head resurfaced and checked for cracks and put in a new MLS head gasket as well. I did use the copper gasket spray as well, shouldn't need it since the head is perfectly smooth along with the block, but I used a single coat anyway. It works well.

I did a compression test as soon as I got the head on, all 4 cylinders held 155PSI with no problem.

This was not an easy job for the average DIY guy. I have built and rebuilt several engines years ago and was a mechanic while I was in college.

I am no professional by any means, but I was able to get the job done.

Thanks for the help guys!