new car problems (compression + timing)

[12's]

I just picked up a 92 laser AWD. It is a 5-speed and I got it for $700. The car was sold to me by an auction having a timing problem. I checked the timing marks and it appears to be of a couple of teeth (1.5-2 possibly). I did a compression check and the numbers were as follows (4-1): 157-115-155-100

I am assuming the valves hit the pistions but is it possible that only valves in two cylinders hit? They are 1 and 3 though. I would assume that 1 and 4 would hit at the same time and 2 and 3 would hit at the same time. Can anyone help?

 

[RoasT BeeF]

2 teeth really isnt enough to make the valves hit the pistons. Do a leakdown test and find out if its the valves or the rings. Either way the car should still run with those compression numbers so if you wanted to you could reset the timing and leave it at that.

 

[12's]

Well I bought the car with a timing problem. I am guessing it is ~2 teeth. I will take a pic if I get a chance tonight. The t-belt has a rust color to it along with other timing components. The covers were off and everything.

 

[12's]

Here is a pic of the timing marks with the oil pump and the crank aligned. I pulled the head as the coolant was very dark and could have contained oil in it. The whole front side of the engine is rusty including all hte timing parts (tensioner pulley, etc). Under the hood was soaked when I got the car. I am going to throw on a good head, new head gasket, new timing components, ARP's and hopefully it will run. Do you think the timing being off this far could smack a valve in the two cylinders?

 

[RoasT BeeF]

No.

 

[R3dR]

2 teeth really isnt enough to make the valves hit the pistons. Do a leakdown test and find out if its the valves or the rings. Either way the car should still run with those compression numbers so if you wanted to you could reset the timing and leave it at that.

My crank was off one tooth and the valves were hitting and YES that distance right there WILL more then likely make this happen for you also.

If you line up the gears I am betting it translates to almost 2 teeth on the crank and by the direction your showing I would say the crank will be retarded and is hitting the valves as they are closing or possible clipping them as they are opening.

Dont mess around just reset the timing and redue the compression test.

I was able to save my valve train because I caught mine b4 it did damage.

You can set the pistons at top dead that are low and use your compression tester to blow air into the cylinders, just take of the guage and hook it to an air compresser.

If the air comes out the exaust when at TDC then its the ex valves and if the air comes out the throttle body at TDC then its the intake valves, if the air goes into the crank case it could be guides or rings ( make sure to do wet test when doing comp test) and like wise if the air bubbles into the thermostat housing its a HG.



Due to the fact that the pistons that are weak are not next to each other I am also voting against HG but do the air test after you time it for sure.