Can the valves and rings be replaced on a 1929 La Salle without removing the engine from the car?
The tricky thing about replacing the rings is the pistons have to be removed from the bottom of the engine. The crankshaft must be turned for each removal. I would say it can be done with the engine in the car but would be a lot easier if it were removed. Harry
Yes. We have a 32 and I believe for that part they are the same. Pistons can be removed from the bottom, but to put them back in you need to push the rod up from the bottom and then put the piston on using a ring compressor and slide it back down. The wrist pins should go in one direction. Read the manual. LONG screwdriver to tighten the wrist pin set screw.
Without a doute just pull the engine out. If tour engine needs rings it could need cylinder boring, seals etc. If it needs valves it will need work on the valve seats as well. To do it the correct way its engine out.
You only need to take the engine out if you need to do the rod and main bearings. To do only the rings and valves only the blocks need to come off. Depending on the 'why" it may be a good idea to rebuild the whole engine:-) In that case engine should come out.