I have a stock d16a6 engine that wont pass smog because of low compression in one of the cylinders. I was wondering if i were to get a same working replacement head for my car, would it be a quick fix? I'm a noob when it comes to engines and i just want to fix it as fast as possible. I don't really want to hear about swapping in new engines because I'm a poor college student and i just want a working car. I can get a working d16a6 complete head with my budget and was wondering if it will solve my problem? Thanks.

 

I think the compression is in the pistons and sleeves and rings, only a little in the valves and such. You can buy one of those engine restores and stop leaks, and a radiator stop leak, and make sure your timings rite. Replace headgasket
but I'm a noob too so Iono =D

 

most likely it won't. the problem is probably a piston ring in the bottom end. I would try some of that engine restore stuff and try to pass it again. it might buy you enough time to get another motor.

 

thanks for the info. Bump i need more opinions on how to solve my problem please. things i should do to handle this problem.

 

Test for compression in that cylinder that they said was low. See what numbers you get. then put about a tablespoon of oil down into the cylinder and then redo the compression test. If your compression in that cylinder goes up substantially then its the rings. In which case replacing the head will accomplish nothing. If the number remains mostly unchanged however, or only increases by a small amount then its probably safe to say your loosing compression through the top end. it could be due to the valves not seating well in that cylinder, or perhaps leaky valve seals, or even both. Assuming the compression remains mostly unchanged after the test then i'd swap a diff head on there, and hope for the best.

 

awesome. thanks for the info and ill try that asap and see what happens.

 

getting a valve cover gasket set helps too, it comes with the sparkplug gaskets which can make a difference

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by acmoc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">getting a valve cover gasket set helps too, it comes with the sparkplug gaskets which can make a difference</TD></TR></TABLE>

how exactly does the spark plug gasket on the valve cover affect compression in the cylinder...

 

Since it hasn't been mentioned. You need to do a leakdown test. If it is valves you would hear air escaping thru the intake, wait, have you adjusted the valves?

If it is the bottom end you would hear air escaping thru the crankcase/oil cap.

Anyway a leakdown test is what you need to do.