420A 420a head gasket + ???

[Nathan1993]

So I bought a 1995 talon 420a for the tires on the car. The previous owner said the motor was shot because his wife drove the car with a bad head gasket. I got it home and threw a battery in to see how bad the knock was, and the bottom sounds perfect. The head does not fire, and in the cylinder closest to the trans mount (I think) it almost sounds like a release of air. I have not had the chance to take a compression tester to any cylinders yet, but I would like to know what I could be getting into. I'm more than likely going to pull the head just because. I have a feeling it might be valve related. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thanks

 

[Dsmkauai]

Do a compression and leak down test. That will tell you a lot and what you should be looking at. Could be the head gasket or a bent valve or rings. Either isn't that hard to fix on a 420a.

 

[Nathan1993]

I'll see if I can get to the compression test this weekend. Either way the head is coming off eventually. Could the gasket get so bad that there is almost no compression, or would it have to be something along with the gasket? Just asking out of curiosity.

 

[Dsmkauai]

Ya if it's blown into the compression chamber it sure can.

 

[Nathan1993]

Alright, next time I get the chance I'll start looking at things. Thanks for helping out.

 

[Dsmkauai]

No problem good luck bro.