dfJDM

im firing on 3 cylinders, cyl 4's compression is soo low.
every other one was 160-180 and my cyl 4 was 115
it gets spark and fuel, just no compression, air is leaking some where.

one says its piston rings other mechanics say valves.
how do i check my rings and valves?



just did a head gasket 4 days ago and hasnt ran proper since.
ive resulted to posting it on craigslist unless it is fixable for under 200 bucks.
cause im pretty broke and have no means of getting the bottom end rebuilt if its bad rings.
but i cant see how this happend when it ran just fine, even with the blown head gasket. i drove it for 2 days when the head gasket blew, is it possible that caused the rings to go?

Got_LS_Sol?

Did you use new head bolts and right tourque specs and sequence? I don't think driving with the bad head gasket would cause your rings to go. If it was fine before then you messed something up replacing it...

dfJDM

nah i used the old ones, and im missing one :/ is that the problem?
i didnt resurface the head or buy new bolts, plus im missing the middle head bolt

redsir86

if you are missing a head bolt, most likely thats where ur problem is, your head is not sitting the way its supposed to be on the block so ur leaking compression, i suggest u get a new bolt at ur local dealer asap..

dfJDM

how much do they charge for head bolts at dealerships?
should my head gasket be fine? i mean its been only 3 days since i put it on and i havent drove it.. should i get it resurfaced? (the head)

94EG8

missing headbolt is big no no. Also did you torque them in the proper sequence with a torque wrench? Headbolts are around $10 each or so from honda, if you were buying a new set i'd say get a set of ARP headstuds. You can try getting that headbolt and torquing everything again but you may need another new headgasket.

dfJDM

yeah, when i did my head gasket i saw that im missing the two center studs. and they just aren't there.. not snapped at all. just missing.. but could this cause JUST my cylinder 4 to not fire? why isnt my whole compression off?

and yeah i re-torqued the old bolts with a torque wrench in sequence, 22 lbs first the 63lbs is what the manual said.. also to add u just noticed i have a slight oil leak from the front half of the block/head.. so that's a sign it didn't seat properly, right?

dfJDM

also where can i purchase arp's for cheaper than 160.. or is that the best price.. i could have sworn i saw them go for like 80ish

fonkernuckle

iTrader: (5)

If in a hurry the cheapest place=egay 100ish, not in a hurry then H-T marketplace 80ish

dfJDM

yeah i see that ebay has some, but i dont trust ebay since the first time i used it lol.. might just have to go to a parts store and special order a set. idk, but backk to the other question, is it possible for the 2 missing head studs to cause only cyl 4 to not fire, why isnt it affect the other 3?

fonkernuckle

iTrader: (5)

well from what i have learned here on h-t you need 3 things for an engine to work properly: electricity, fuel and compression so missing 2 headstuds would definitely affect a cylinder to not work properly so no fire there since compression is lacking.

dfJDM

right i know this, but still, is it just odd coincidence that its only the 4th cylinder?
cause my rings were just fine before the head gasket blew, i didnt burn any oil.

redsir86

if ur missing bolts, u could cause ur head to warp, wich can cause u an oil leak and compression.. also did u get the head machined and prssure checked? a small crack in the head or bad valves can cause the same problem.

fonkernuckle

iTrader: (5)

Your rings might still be fine, I would just replace the HG and install headstuds and go from there, you've already done the compression test so short of rebuilding the engine do you have any other choice than to replace the HG and headstuds?

dfJDM

not machine, but did check the pressue, everything was good.
they had new valves put in before i bought the car.
so im guessing during reinstall they lost the 2 bolts and said **** it
and slap everything back together.. but this time around im getting the
head resurfaced.. im not risking this **** again, ive been unable to work for 2 days now cause it doesnt run.. im a delivery guy lol.
figured a head gasket wouldnt be to hard to i did it and ran into the problemo

aslo, has anyone purchased head bolts from napa before?
theres one up the road that has head bolts ranging from 3$-12$ a peice.
are they crap?

dfJDM

about to take my head back off to get resurfaced and new arps coming soon.
im praying this fixes the compression issue, BUT i have a quick question i hope someone can answer for me fast.. with the head off looking into the block whats the easiest way to see if the rings could be bad? would there be scratches on the walls??

bvillarreal

bump having a similar problem, but i have all studs

dfJDM

whats wrong with yours man?
im hoping that the missing stud and resurface fixes my compression.
im renting a compression tester tomrrow and checking my rings

redsir86

one way is you would have ridges on your cylinder walls, put every single one of your pistons down by turning your cranck, and inspect every sleeve carefully.

92lxsleeper

if you resurface the head, your gonna have to resurface the block. atleast if you dont, they are both warped and will still sit flush with each other.

Got_LS_Sol?

Always...always use new head bolts also..they stretch man. Dont just replace 2. Thats also not gonna seat/seal right

dfJDM

yeah im not just replacing them, i just order a set of arps.
i check my block and it wasnt warped at all, the level on it was pretty decent
the head on the other had was slightly warped where i was missing the two studs.

today im off some im gonan try and knock out some test before i do anything
im gonna check my rings by doing another compression test.. check the head out more.


does anyone know how you check if you valves are leaking?

redsir86

since u already have ur cams off,all ur valves should be closed, so fill up ur intake and exhaust ports with gasoline or water. and u should be able to see on the bottom side of the head,.. if u use water make sure u get it all out tho. and while u have ur head off, replace ur valve seals..

dfJDM

well update.. got the head rebuilt. now the motor still wont start.. 120 on 2 - 4 ... now cylinder 1 is low.. before the head was built.. cyl 4 was low.

i dont get it. all the valves are new and were reseated for a perfect fit and valve seals are brand new.
before pulled the head all the cylinders were reading 120's.. and number four was in the 80's.. now with the new head every one BUT number one is reading 120's and 1 is 60lbs.. wtf.

anyone got any input?
maybe just find a new block?