2000 V40 Blown engine - Can it be rebuilt

[mudshark]

My 2000 V40 gave me an engine misfire code P0301 misfire on cyl #1, I replaced plugs and wire set and it ran fine for about a week and the check engine light came on again. I noticed having to top off the coolant twice during this period, and saw some oil in the overflow res! Head gasket is blown.

Shop did a leak-down test and the rings are shot on cylinder 1 (this is what caused the head gasket to blow). So Is it possible fix without pulling the engine out? Pull the oil pan, sump, crank and change the rings from below? I would still need to pull the head to replace the gasket and valve seals. Can I do this without having to purchase a truck load of specialty tools!

Is it even worth it? The car is in good shape, but has a salvage title from hitting road debris that put a dent in the floorpan the insurance wouldn't pay to fix (after they paid to replace the oil pan that got destroyed)

[precopster]

If a leak down test had been done on other cylinders you would probably find shot rings there as well.

By the way worn rings don't cause head gasket failure; they actually reduce compression which eases the forces on the head gasket. Of course they will result in excessive oil consumption and more blow by into the crankcase area possibly causing unseated seals.

You'll probably find that the head was overheated or poor coolant concentration was usef and this has caused head gasket failure.

Perform your own leak down tests on the other three cylinders and in this case I believe you'll find this engine may best be put out to pasture.

[alschnertz]

I can't imagine any reason that you couldn't re-ring the engine with the engine still in the car.
Obviously it would be much easier if it was on a stand.