smoking problems help help help

I understand from the later posts that you are replacing the rings, but was smoking the only problem?

Did the truck act like it didn't have any power? Maybe the catalytic converter is clogged with oil.

The cat was pretty clean shy of some stuff in it that iBook out.

I sold it last night and bought a jeep. I need a break from thw constant issues.

1. By now you probably have had a chance to see the bevel on the block where the pistons go into the block. The cylinder sleeve doesn't contain a bevel on the crankshaft side, plus the crankshaft is in the way for a straight push of the piston back into the cylinder.

2. A block of wood and a 2 lb sledgehammer will break the seal of the RTV. Don't use too much force.

Agree, was tough both times I've had to remove my oil pan (with engine installed). Be patient.

If the oil pan is really stuck, what I do sometimes is take a sharp chisel and drive it in between the gasket (or silicone) at one corner of the pan - and then just WAIT.

It'll slowly release the silicone, if you pry, you can warp the pan but if you just wait, it'll slowly remove itself.