91 Talon TSi Engine shot?

[Northeastpa]

Hello all,

For the record I love cars but I'm not all the mechanically inclined. I'm hoping there maybe someone close by in the Scranton PA area that might be able to help me out in person or offer advice from afar. I'm going to keep this short and to the point so I'm not wasting anyones time.

1991 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD
Miles: 56,000 original

Problem: First blue smoke from exhaust, a few days later car started losing a lot of power. One day leaving work it wouldn't start.

Got it towed (roll back) and looked at by a reputable mechanic who did a compression test and told me both the turbo and engine were shot! I have the car up on ebay but many nice ebayers are emailing me telling me the engine is probably not shot due to such low mileage. I have never gone over 80 mph hour and always changed the oil. It's been suggested that the turbo alone might be the problem, a stuck valve might be the problem or the computer might need to be replaced.

I don't know enough about these cars to diagnose the problem myself. I had no reason to doubt the mechanic, but now I'm wondering. I'd HATE to give this car up for parts if the engine isn't shot! Especially with such low mileage.

Is there anyone from the Scranton PA area who might be able to take a look at it? I don't have the money to get it towed and looked at again right now. I'd pay someone a few bucks to look it over for me.

Thanks much!
Dan

 

[fwdmaster]

What number's came up on the compression test?

 

[Boost92awd]

Low miles really dont matter that much when a car is 17 years old. I found that out with my 1992 that has 69,000 miles on it and had to pull the motor, car was stock also. I would say a leakdown test is in order to narrow down your problem.

 

[Northeastpa]

fwdmaster: I never got the numbers. Didn't know I needed them, my bad. I know the mechanic felt bad for me because he only charged me $25.00!

Boost92awd: Should a leak test have been performed to make sure the engine was shot or would the compression numbers have been enough for the mechanic to know? Can I do a leak test myself? I'll look that up.

Thanks to both of you for quick replies.

Anyone else?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Boost92awd]

A compression test is a fast way to tell if you have good cylinder pressure. A leakdown test is going to help you figure out why you have low compression.

Also those compression test numbers would of also helped.

 

[Northeastpa]

Could a bad turbo alone be the cause of low compression?

I'm going to look around locally tomorrow for a shop that does the leak down test.

Thanks

 

[Northeastpa]

Anyone have anymore advice?


Thanks
Dan