Bad Compression 150,65,125,130..Rings Only???

[BOBS90TURBO]

I noticed a little whiteish smoke from the exhaust, but the car runs and boosts perfect, So I did a compression test and got 150psi on #1, 65psi on #2, 125psi on #3 and 130 on #4, I added a cap full of oil in the #2 piston and compression shot up to 125psi.

But heres the deal, I just spent $1000 on a full t-belt job 1,500 miles ago and am almost tapped, I really baby this car, I've only taken the RPM's over $6k once(made one pass at the track 13.6) To give you an idea how much I baby this car, Ive been on the stock clutch for the last 100k miles(still holds perfect). Car has 139k on it now.

I want to know if I can just pull the head,oil pan and the pistons and rods, then hone the walls and throw in a set of new rings,bearings,headgasket and fasteners/oem head bolts and a set of valve guide seals. And maybee a new OEM clutch. If I do the labor myself and reuse all my new T-belt parts except the belt itself, I think I could get it to stop smoking and get the compression within range for around $500.

Is this a stupid idea, or should I just find a good JDM Japan engine and swap it out. Also any idea how long my engine could last with those numbers.

Please share all advise.....THANKS!!

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Well, if you are not smoking a blue smoke, I would suspicion valves. Squirt some oil in the weak cylinder to see if it raises the compression. If it does, then likely it's rings. If not, then probably valves.

I'd call the person who did the timing belt job to see if they can help you in person with the compression problem. I doubt very seriously that they had anything to do with the low comp on 1 cylinder.

Let us know.

 

[importboost]

Well, if you are not smoking a blue smoke, I would suspicion valves. Squirt some oil in the weak cylinder to see if it raises the compression. If it does, then likely it's rings. If not, then probably valves.

I'd call the person who did the timing belt job to see if they can help you in person with the compression problem. I doubt very seriously that they had anything to do with the low comp on 1 cylinder.

Let us know.

Guess old wiseman didnt read all the way . If you put oil in it like you said and it raised the compression. It's the rings. I wouldn't throw it out and buy a JDM, even though it's what i did with my 7 bolt. You already have a strong motor. Just get crackin on replacing the rings. It's a good learning experience.

 

[diambo4life]

Two words for you. Leakdown test.

How in the hell did you spend $1K for a timing belt job? It doesn't even cost that much at the stealership. Wouldn't surprise me if that had something to do with your low compression ie. bent valves. Do a leakdown FIRST!

 

[90_Turbo_Clipse]

how much would it be to do the piston rings. Do you have to to pistons while youre at it.