Compression test

[SpecM]

^ yes that is the correct test.
-I would guess head gasket, tho.

[PeaveyBassist]

Jordan, that is what I thought. Thanks for the tip about testing the rings. Hopefully its head gasket or valve seating.

Will

[RobertK]

The easiest way to see what is causing the low numbers is to do another compression test as you have already done. Squirt ~tsp of normal dyno oil, thicker the better, into the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Give it some time to work its way around the rings. This will temporarily restore compression lost through bad rings.

If your numbers come out good this time its your rings.. if not its likely bad valve seating or a blowing head gasket.

I've heard of this trick working to check for bad rings but from the % in loss of compression I would definately rule out bad valve seating. My cylinder 3 has a worn valve seat and last time I did a compression test it only had about a 5-6psi difference from the rest of the cylinders, also, cylinders 2 and 4 were just fine.

IMHO if you have the money and an extra beater to get around in save your money and have the head pressure tested, shaved (if nessesary), ported, polished, reseat the valves, and get the 3 angle valve grindage. The way I see it, there's only one way to do it and that's right the first time.

[jht3]

re-do the compression check with the oil trick
do a leakdown

these should tell you if its a ring, valve, or gasket failure. if its just the gasket, i'd pull the head, check the head for warpage, and put a full gasket set on. replace the chain, waterpump, and other maintenance items. no need for a head job on a high mileage daily driver (polishing a turd)
if its a ring or valve issue, it might be easier to swap the motor out. its your call

[PeaveyBassist]

Well I was actually planning on getting rid of the car after I graduated school in a year. By then I was hoping to sell mine for a parts car and get a truck to use as a tow vehicle (story behind that one) and daily driver. If I end up not needing a tow vehicle, I might look into some small roadster ala the new MX-5. I really have no idea for sure what I am doing in a year car wise. I dont wanna spend all that money on this car. So... I am probably going to drive it as is for now for a beater. Just drive it till it blows up.

Will

[Dave]

That is a total shame, Will.

[PeaveyBassist]

That is a total shame, Will.

Yes, I know. But the front end damage and now the engine problems. I mean... I can get a whole nother e30 for $2k. So... I dunno what I will end up doing. I really dont wanna do head work. And if I am going to go through the trouble of swapping engines, I would want one thats gonna last a while. So swapping in another "as-is" m20 would be gay. If the car dies, I would probably end up just doin just the gasket set for the top and change the head gasket. I just want this car to last until I can afford to get a $10-$15k car.

Will

[Dave]

I don't blame you. I meant that its a shame that all this has happened.

Dont get in a bunch of debt for a car.

[PeaveyBassist]

Dont get in a bunch of debt for a car.

Exactly. I dont wanna have to go through all the trouble to fix it back to a decent condition again. I mean, I LOVE this car and if I had the money, I would throw it at the car with no second thoughts. And yea, its a shame all of this happened. If the front end damage HADNT happened, then I would probably be more abliged to fix the engine problem because it would still look pretty good on the outside. I dunno... I will figure somethin out.

Will

[nando]

if your body is smashed, part it out and get another car. bad body + bad engine = parts car. :(

[PeaveyBassist]

Exactly nando :( Problem is... no where to part out. PLUS its my only car. So... the engine still runs and pulls decent actually. When I go down and see Dave I will give him a ride and let him feel what I am talkin about. Eventually if I sell it, it will be sold as a parts car.

Will

[nefarious7907]

it looks like decent car although I havent seen pics of the front end. I wouldnt get rid of the car if the front end is in reason of fixing. If you get something else buy a car cover and park your e30 at your parents house somewhere, who knows you might have the funds to fix the e30 in six months and have anther car/truck. spending a thousand on repairs is better than spending 15k on a newish car.

[RobertK]

it looks like decent car although I havent seen pics of the front end. I wouldnt get rid of the car if the front end is in reason of fixing. If you get something else buy a car cover and park your e30 at your parents house somewhere, who knows you might have the funds to fix the e30 in six months and have anther car/truck. spending a thousand on repairs is better than spending 15k on a newish car.

QFT.

IMHO it would be better to sell this car for parts and buy another E30 than to payout $$ in interest and car payments. The difference is with a new car is that you will be paying out every month + gas + full coverage ins. as opposed to just paying for gas + liability and the occasional maintenance repair with a paid for used car. Atleast with the used car you can manage to retain some earnings between maintenance repairs. Car payments tend to be the mantra of the middle class these days.

[Dave]

Will, I'll make you a really sweet deal on a silver car with bronzit bumpers. ;-)

Seriously, though, my GCs showed up today. I'll Pm you about getting together to wrench.