2G Question! Is this timing or rod knock? And how can i find out

Carlos saavedra · Apr 17, 2026

I have a 98 GSX not sure if it has rod knock or bad timing. Car ran fine up until I did a timing belt replacement. Timing was redone twice and still had this same issue. Car has no power and the knocking sounds like its coming from the cylinder head area. Not sure if it is rod knock or bad timing.

dwb · May 4, 2026

What oil are you running? Looks pretty dry.

Carlos saavedra · May 4, 2026

Mobile 1. The car has been sitting for 10 years. Im trying to get everything back up and running so everything i throw in it will ne new.

jed344 · May 4, 2026

I would leak down test if you have the tool and ability too. We already know what cylinder is low and this would confirm a ring or valve sealing issue vs say lifter's not pumping up.

The other thing would be is to be sure the lifters are in fact pumping up on that cylinder as if those are very weak it would create the low compression number's.

This being said the oil on that plug make's me think it likely is ring or valve issue vs some weak lifter's.

Carlos saavedra · May 4, 2026

jed344 said:
I would leak down test if you have the tool and ability too. We already know what cylinder is low and this would confirm a ring or valve sealing issue vs say lifter's not pumping up.

The other thing would be is to be sure the lifters are in fact pumping up on that cylinder as if those are very weak it would create the low compression number's.

This being said the oil on that plug make's me think it likely is ring or valve issue vs some weak lifter's.

I will get a leak down test thank you!

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2G Question! Is this timing or rod knock? And how can i find out

Carlos saavedra

dwb

Carlos saavedra

jed344

Carlos saavedra

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