lost compression in my 4afe, that 83toybeater built!

[flagtercel]

I am new to the site so hello to all. I currently own an 87' tercel wagon with the 4afe swap performed in flagstaff, az. After searching the forums I believe that my new ride is the exact one that 83toybeater built back a few years ago. This thing is so much fun, so much character!! anyway, now after driving it for a while I have ran into an engine problem. I have lost all compression in the #1 cylinder, I took it to a local shop, and they performed the compression test to find it was the #1, but they did not want anything to do with it, in fact no-one will touch it because it is so heavily modified.

what should I do? is it just a burnt valve? It starts right up and I was still driving it for a little bit on 3, but it does shake and run rough at the stop lights. I think it is an easy fix, but not sure If I have the know how to do it.

Just really want to get her back up and running strong so I can keep 83toybeater's legacy alive.

[splatterdog]

A leakdown test is next. That will determine where the compression loss is occuring. Basically compressed air is put into the cylinder affected while at tdc(compression stroke). Then listen for the hiss coming out of intake,exhaust,oil filler to see if it's a valve or piston/ring problem. Since it isn't swallowing coolant it is unlikely a head gasket(hiss would come from rad if it was bad).

[flagtercel]

thanks!, I will check into this next, I am scared that I could have driven it too much after it lost compression, I hope the valves aren't bent up from smacking into the pistons. Seems that it is running rougher now than it was in the beginning of the problem. Is it possible to have messed up another cylinder after driving on three? I am wondering if there is usually a domino effect that occurs. Should I be pushing harder to find a mechanic to perform these procedures, or are the vavle issues easy enough to deal with. I am knowledgeable of engines a bit and grew up turning wrenches but a little scared to mess with it too much myself.

[Petros]

A simple test you can do your self with a compression tester gauge (Autozone, checkers and others will loan them for free, or you can buy one). Do the compression test "dry", and than after you have the compression test, squirt oil in each of the spark plug holes, and do it again. If the compression comes up more than a few pounds, than it is bad rings, if it does not come up much at all, it is likely bad valves. The leak down test is more refined to pin point the leak.

Either way the head has to come off, I have done on one of these engines. more work than on a 3a, but pulling it off and taking the head to a machine shop is not too big of a job. You can do it with simple hand tools, sockets, open end wrenches, tec. You will need a torque wrench to install the head. We can help guide you through it.

Though you just have to find another shop, there is someone who is will fix it. I would if I was still a mechanic.

Good luck

[keith]

The first thing I would do is check the valves for clearance. Sometimes the valve seat erodes to the point that the valve doesn't completely close. It gets worse with time as the valve seat erodes more once it stops closing completely.