ericj628

2007 Grand Cherokee (3.7L)

Before getting everything torn down, low compression on cylinder 5. Cam retainers near cylinder 5 are broken, rockers were laying on the top of the head.

Obviously, needs some cylinder head work. But, before I start on that, is there a way to test compression or check the rings without the head in place? Carbon build up on the piston faces, but not as much on cylinder 5 as the rest. Makes me think oil was leaking past the rings a bit. Trying to determine "how much". Would hate to get the head worked out and everything back together only to find that I have bad rings.

Also, how hard is it to replace rings without removing the block? Thinking I can remove the oil pan and go in from the bottom, but not sure.

Thanks!

Cayenne1

Working from the bottom up is a question I have wondered about as well.
My engine is a 5.2.