Do you have to change piston rings when replacing a head gasket on high mileage engine?

A guy I know told me that you have to replace rings on a high mileage engine when replacing the head gasket. I have neither the time or resources to do such a repair. I don't understand why removing the head would affect the pistons in any way. The engine ran just fine before I removed the head. I need an explanation. Is there a way around not blowing out my rings once I finish the repair? What's the risk?Do you have to change piston rings when replacing a head gasket on high mileage engine?Hi Alex, the answer is no, however the recommendation is sound if it does have a lot of mileage accrued. The reason is your engine will have better compression and power with the new gaskets and hopefully head job. This will place additional stress on the other engine components, the leaky gasket may have introduced coolant or other materials into the combustion chambers which washed and negatively affected or shortened the life of the piston rings. So its not necessary,its just added insurance against having to go back in there again in the near future. If time and finances are a big issue you are right to forego the ring job, just be aware of the consequence. good luck..
Do you have to change piston rings when replacing a head gasket on high mileage engine?
no, you dont go anywhere near them if you are only changing head gasket,

as long as it wasnt using loads of oil beforehand, leave well alone.
Do you have to change piston rings when replacing a head gasket on high mileage engine?
That depends on how worn out the rings are, if the car is not burning oil then the rings are fine.
no the rings do not need to b replaced...unless ur doing a complete rebuild....if the engine needs that then might b time for a new car or junkyard engine......





and no ur rings won't blow when ur done with the repair.....now if u let the car sit for a long time b4 fixing it then there will b the risk of rust in the cylinders which means new engine......so get it done as soon as possible.......and u should b just fine.........also to let u know were u stand engine wise after the head gasket is replaced do a compression test....
depends on what you are changing the gasket for , but i would say no, its a whole bigger job to change the rings, high mileage vehicles would have worn piston rings, but if they where ok before, they should be ok after, just change the oil and filter after you have changed the gasket. (please i need points)
THey guy you have talked from probably knows a lot about OLDER cars. Most modern engines wear very little, and the rings do NOT require changing. You have not mentioned the year, make, model, or country of origin. When I replace a head gasket, this is what I do. I use Amsoil Foaming Cleaner to wash down the sludge on the rings. Let it soak in an hour or two. With the head removed, it is easy to turn the engine over. Then, I wash the rings with Gum-out spray and pressurized air. Sometimes with brake cleaner. I also use a scotch brite pad to remove the carbon from the motor block and bores. This creates a light %26quot;honing%26quot;. It gives the rings a better surface to wear into. When the head is returned service, expect some smoke out the tail pipe for several minutes, as the cleaners are washed out by oil and the rings re-seal. My method makes engines last another 100,000 miles. Once again, it all depends upon which company made the engine in the first place.