Hello, hoping someone can give some advice on and engine issue. Thank you for your help.

1992 Civic CX [EH2]
Engine: B18b1

PROBLEM
The exhaust manifold was not installed correctly by previous owner. There was a 1/4" gap between the exhaust manifold and the engine. All four exhaust ports had soot around them, but cylinder 3 exhaust port had wet oil under it. Not sure how many miles were driven with it in this condition.

SYMPTOMS
1. "wet" oil under exhaust port for cylinder #3
2. Rough idle

TROUBLESHOOTING RESULTS
Oil: normal (not creamy)
Radiator: no oil in radiator fluid; water does not spit out of radiator while engine is running with radiator cap off
Dry Compression Test Results: 150, 130, 130, 130
Wet Compression Test Results: 160, 150, 180, 150

QUESTION
Do these symptoms indicate an obvious problem?
Is it a problem that should be addressed before driving it again?
There are many other issues with the car. I'm trying to prioritize what needs to be fixed first.

Thanks again.

 

Yes if there is an exhaust leak before the O2 sensor, the sensor will read wrong and that will throw off the A/F mixture.

Dry cmpression only 130 suggests the engine is quite worn. I think the spec is 135 or more.

 

Your rings are shot. Possibly a leaking valve cover gasket as well. Drive it until it quits and swap it, or pull it out and rebuild it.

 

Defiantly needs work, starting with the exhaust manifold, fix that and then drive it until you have to rebuild, at least a cylinder hone and new rings and possibly a valve job. 94

 

Thank you very much for the responses. Had a feeling that was the case, but was hoping for better news. Thanks again!