Hello Hondaheads, newbie here.

I hate to start with a question but here we go.

I have a manual 95 Civic with a b16z6/PO8-5 head. One day it started to run rough... cylinder 3 lost compression but the other three are good and even at around 170 psi with engine cold.

So, I did a leak-down test and cylinders 1, 2 and 4 are good within the green on the gauge but when I test cyl 3 it has a major air leak. the thing is that it leaks air to cylinders 2 and 1, very little to crank case, exhaust and intake (throttle wide open), or so I felt.

The test was performed at TDC on each cylinder with the crankshaft kept from turning. I'd think if it was the head gasket, cylinders 2&1 would leak back to cylinder 3, right? Or if it was a valve it would leak more through exhaust/intake.

Anyway, I did some wrenching in my younger days, mostly on 4x4 Toyotas. Did a couple of head gaskets, the problems were obvious. But, I'm not a professional by any means.


I'll start to take the head off but I was hoping there's somebody that is more familiar and has had the same problem that could give me some tips. I'd appreciate that a lot.

 

Bent valve(s). Remove and replace and hope nothing else is damaged

 

I pulled the head off and it turns out it is a burnt exhaust valve, I'd post a picture but I still can't. Did not make sense but I was probably overthinking it.

Anyway, I appreciate your help.