engine and drivetrain New love comes with baggage (low compression in #2 cylinder)

[thehackmechanic]

I've started sorting out the '72 tii. One of the FI lines is leaking fuel. While I'm waiting for new lines, I thought I'd do a compression test. I'm seeing low compression in #2 ( 165, 135, 160, 165 ). Squirted in some oil and it jumped to 160. I'm surprised, as the engine fires right up and runs without smoking on acceleration or deceleration.

I've ordered an OTC leakdown tester to get a better idea of what's going on.

This car reportedly sat for about 10 years, then was only driven about 100 miles over the past two years by the PO.

So everyone needs to tell me that it's just a lightly-sticking ring from lack of use. Okay, all at once... one, two, three...

[jgerock]

How many miles have you put on it since you bought it Rob?? I would do a leak-down test, adjust the valves, do a tune up and see what happens.

[PatAllen]

did you used the tune box to crank the motor...at least...

carbon flakes could have found their way on the valves seats...pour 2 glass of water while the motor is kept revving...motor will cough out black a litle...old fart trick.

[wegweiser]

Make sure the brakes and suspension work, and just go drive the livin' PISS out of it, Rob!

I have an OTC leakdown tester....you could have borrowed it! :/

Seriously...drive it. Make sure the O rings on the top of the K'Fischer aren't seeping, and you might be surprised. These cars are heroic.

[thehackmechanic]

Jim, I adjusted the valves and changed every fluid as soon as I got the car home.

Pat, YES I used your Wunder Box to crank the engine over! Also used it to try and time the engine, which is where I found the dizzy wasn't advancing (it's with Jeff at Advanced Distributors being rebuilt).

Paul, thanks for the offer of your leakdown tester, but I like accumulating tools as much as the next guy. I want to know what's going on, but mission creep isn't high in my personality profile; I have little intention of turning a compression / leakdown test into an engine rebuild.

When I get the new fuel lines and the dizzy back, drive the piss out of it I shall.

[eastsidebimmer]

Didn't you once own a Geo Metro? Just unplug that cylinder.

Ben

[thehackmechanic]

No secrets in this crowd

[TobyB]

it's just a lightly-sticking ring from lack of use. Carboned up from

too much time on the warm- up injector. Add some CD- approved

Marvel Mystery Oil. Or skunk pee. Or something....

Or there's some rust on the bore and it needs to re- hone itself.

Seriously, just drive it, and if it doen't burn a ton of oil, goes well

and doesn't self- combust, be happy.

Oh, wait- it's white, isn't it.

I'm sorry...

t

[c.d.iesel]

......."it's just a lightly-sticking ring from lack of use"

change the oil and filter first before that wild

drive to 'clean things up' and retest the compression after 1 tank of

gas is burned up - 200 miles

but there is always a ton of other stuff

that goes wrong like fuel & coolent leaks,

rusted linkage, clogged fuel system,

wonky fuel pump, clogged tank strainer......

good luck

Have Funn, be safe

[Wattfab]

It's just a lightly-sticking ring from lack of use.

[SteveJ]

The beauty of the 2002- Many things can be marginal and these little cars just keep chugging along. Most modern cars would be sidelined by far less ailments.

[TobyB]

Aha! that's it!

You need Marginal Mystery Oil!

heh.

t