compression test. m20b23

[wayfast]

my e21 started blowing white smoke. and has a very strong smell(not sweet). so i did a compression test. here's the results.

FIREWALL
183
181
165
185
181
182


test was done dry, all plugs out, fuel relay pulled, and the engine warm; however, i forgot to do it at WOT.

also, my 1 week old plugs were completely black(dry). i think i am running rich, but not sure.


sound like a blown headgasket?

Thanks,
Josh

[Hick]

10% rule. Lowest cannot be 10% lower than the highest [.9]

Highest: 185 - 10% = 166

#4 is dead.

EDIT: Reread that, do it with the throttle open to be sure.

[jlevie]

my e21 started blowing white smoke. and has a very strong smell(not sweet).

Those are classic symptoms of a failed head gasket that is leaking coolant into a cylinder. In this case I'd suspect the leak to be at #4 from the compression test.