Determining why compression is bad

[gijoe985]

I am thinking about looking at this car-

"1996 Eagle Talon TSi Turbo AWD (Eclipse GSX) - $1700

Black, body in great shape.
No compression, possible blown head gasket. Perfect for 6 bolt swap/rebuild.
86k on engine.
INCLUDES EXTRA 16G Turbo
Pics upon request."

This is all I know so far. I asked a lot more questions, but am awaiting an email reply. I figure if I go to look at it, and all is well, it'd probably be worth it for a 6 bolt swap car. Yet again, I'd love to find out that it's only a head gasket. So if I looked at it, should I just do a dry and wet compression test? If I get way better results on a wet test I'll know it's rings.

I hope he doesn't really mean "NO" compression...

 

[iwannagofast89]

Leak down test would help you more because (s)he has already stated that there is no compression
I would pick it up anyway try seeing if it will go for a lower price maybe too that way you have a little more spending money

 

[Matt4g63]

Thats a pretty low price for a 2g AWD right there. Did he do a compression test or is this his thoughts?

 

[assault187]

Leak down test would help you more because (s)he has already stated that there is no compression
I would pick it up anyway try seeing if it will go for a lower price maybe too that way you have a little more spending money

I 2nd the leakdown test, This will determine exactly where/what is causing the loss of compression.

 

[JKL]

Might be a snapped timing that bent up some valves, bad valve seals, rings, detonated piston lands or a head gasket. Even so, I'd pick it up as long as the body and other components are in good condition. Just buy it and sell that 7 bolt long block for a few bucks or trade for a 6 bolt block to rebuild.

 

[cruisintalonawd]

Valve seals have nothing to do with comprrsion at all and he could just up the 7 bolt

 

[gijoe985]

Well I don't own a leak down tester, which is ridiculous... I have been meaning to buy one, but how would I do it if I was just driving out somewhere to check out this car. I'd have to have a compressor wouldn't I?

 

[iwannagofast89]

yeah and a the peice to conect the hose to the spark plug hole

 

[gijoe985]

yeah and a the peice to conect the hose to the spark plug hole

Couldn't I just use the hose of my compression tester? It threads in and has the pneumatic fitting on the other side...

 

[cruisintalonawd]

Yep that's what I'm talking about

 

[assault187]

Couldn't I just use the hose of my compression tester? It threads in and has the pneumatic fitting on the other side...

You can use it, Just make sure to regulate the air pressure.

 

[cruisintalonawd]

I only do about 30 to 40 psi

 

[xdxoxuxgx]

I'd still say pick up the car, $1700 for a 2g AWD is pretty good, especially if the body is as good as he says. And who knows, you might get lucky and the no compression problem may be an easy fix. If not, like they said, sell it for a few bucks and pick up a 6-bolt

 

[fwspin]

To check to see if a head gasket is blown you can disconnect the coil pack, take the radiator cap off and have someone crank the car over as you watch if you see air bubbles coming up (not circulation of fluid actual air bubbles coming out) the head gasket is shot.

 

[95tsiawd6blt]

i'd say the timing belt snapped bending all the valves