JPP wrote:Ok, well lots of ideas. whereas I think I can put in a set of rings in a weekend. I never did it but getting the engine out is not that difficult, and then I know its done. Is there something wrong with my logic?
Not to Step out of Turn, and Tell you what to Do. But do you Know what's involved with a Model A Motor with Babbitted Bearings?? You seem inclined to Replace the Rings. after Motor is out, Remove the Head, then Oil Pan. You need to use a Ridge Reamer to cut the Ridge at the top of each Cylinder. If you don't cut the ridge, you will break the Piston Glands, removing the Pistons. Maybe you already know this.
When you remove the Rod Caps, mark them, by # and the must go back in the same direction that they came out. Keep track of the Shims, they need to be Placed back where they came from. I put the punch prick marks on the Caps toward the Camshaft. The Pistons have a Split in them, make sure they go back in the same Direction, mark them by #and direction. Buy the right size Rings, you must Hone the Cylinders walls with a glaze Breaker with a Cross Hatched Pattern.
When you replace the Rod Caps You need to Plastia-Gage them to the correct Clearances and right Torque.
The way you say your motor Runs, I would first Pull the Head, then Valve cover, and remove the Keepers and Valve springs, and check the Valve Guides. Then if you think they are OK, Lap in the Valves with Compound, put it back together and see what Happens. Only cost you a Head and Valve Chamber Gaskets. I would bet the Valve Guides are bad and Oil is going by them into the Cylinders. Every body thinks the Rings need to be changed, and doesn't think about the Guides.
If it were my Motor, and it runs as you say, I would Replace with New Parts, Valves, Springs. Guides and Locks, and have the seats Ground. Small investment. Before I tear down the whole Motor, but even so again if it were Mine, I would go as Far to Look at, the Main Bearings and Rods before I sunk any Money into the Motor, you might be lucky and have a good bottom end. Good Luck and Jump Right into it.