Possible Headgasket Problem

[chuckg]

Ok here goes... When i boost the car, it sputters and bogs down and backfires sort of like a boost leak, but I have none big enough to make it do that. I did a compression test, and all cylinders were between 160-170. However, when I try to start the car when the engine is cool, it seems like it has a hard time building compression and starting. Also, the car smokes a little bit of greyish white, and the plugs are sort of a crusty white color, which makes me think headgasket/coolant in the cylinders. No shaftplay in the turbo. I'm not really sure what to do... the compression test was fine, but it still shows headgasket symptoms. Any help is greatly appreicated. Thanks!!

 

[chuckg]

Not trying to bump my post here, but the exhaust smells like gas and smokes a little black too sometimes. What does it all meeean?

 

[yekrahs]

Okay well if the compression is fine maybe you should check your base timing. Hook up a timing light and ground your ecu and you should see about 5degrees. When timing is so far advanced it can make a sound like a boost leak, just a thought.

 

[1gjosh]

check your oil. is it milky? if so than its most likely the haed gasket. if not. then i agree with yekrahs.

 

[gsx rated98]

If the plugs are a crusty white color, you may have alot of build up on them, and your not getting good spark. You said the exhaust smells like gas. Sign of running rich. Being rich as hell with bad spark will also give you crap reponce on start up, untill things get warm. Having good compression should mean the HG is fine. Start trying to fix things in order of cheapest to most expensive. Save you some $$ that way. To me it sound like your plugs and or wires are done...