Cyl 1 = 55psi = beer time

[newalliance123]

Hey guys just installed a new to me motor unknown history.

Compression test DRY:

Cyl 1 = 55 psi @ less then 300 rpm, probably 200
Cyl 2-6 = 155's all within 2 psi same rpm

Did a WET test on cyl 1 = 60 psi

Hard starting
Vacuum at idle is 10 "/hg
No smoke on start up or idle or slow revving
Blue smoke at any quick rev (load) until it stabilizes at idle again
Turbos are new
ARP head studs Torque was checked


Engine has a crappy cometic head gasket installed and I have no idea the prep used to install it.

Engine has also sat for a while.

Slight blue smoke from valve cover PCV system at idle.

Tomorrow I will have my air compressor back so I can do a leak down test, anything specific to the RB26 that will help me diagnose if it's a headgasket, head, ring problem before I take the head off?

[evilgtr]

Bent valve il bet money on it, your post sounds like mine word for word ! I found mine from doing a leak down test

[newalliance123]

That's what I was thinking over a few beers here but would that explain the burning of oil under a bit of a load?

The suspense is killing me until tomorrow when I get to discover how much more $ I get to spend :s

[evilgtr]

Hmm mine wasnt burning any oil at all,no smoke,no temp increase, no loss of power. Only found it from doing a comp test. A leak down test is very accurate and will help you trouble shoot but it must be done correctly and don't rush it. It's extremely important to make sure you have the cylinder you are testing at top dead center and this can be difficult if you baby got the right tools. Even if you are a mm off TDC this could result in having a valve partially open and give you false indication of what the actual problem is. Hopefully its a broken spring or retainer or something you can tackle with the head on and engine in the car. If it is a valve the head needs to be removed and this is easier with the engine removed.. If the motor comes out that's where the "while I'm here syndrome" kicks in lol

[newalliance123]

Ya I will hope for the best. I kind think it's rings because of the smoke... We shall see tomorrow am ! Aghhhhh

[newalliance123]

Pressure coming out of the dip stick on oil drain from head... So Rings it is, weird it happened only on 1 cylinder so it's probably broken ring lands...

[Jdc]

Awww **** man....... That's the worst news ever. FTR this engine was from me and it looks like I was working with a junk shortblock. I['ll keep checking the thread, pm me if you want with any details. I'll try to help you out somehow if I can. Head and block were both cleaned very well and carefully before HG was put on. I used the Cometic because I wasn't about to install the Yonaka.


Sorry again man...... I was just about to go out for my B-day and I don't feel like doing anything now.

[Jdc]

I don't know if this is how to check for ringlands but the tops/edges of the pistons all looked clean and solid.

[newalliance123]

Hey it's all good how did the cylinder walls look? Hopefully I can just get away with a hone and throw in some forged pistons! Well pull tomorrow and measure it up and see if it out of round...

[Jdc]

Walls looked good. Everything about the shortblock looked good... I guess it goes to show putting together an engine without a pro (or someone capable in general) inspecting things first is not a good idea.

I am going out tonight to drink my piss-offness away... guess you'll be doing the same? lol... :|

[Jdc]

That oil pan was such a bitch to put on... I can't believe this...

[newalliance123]

Haha, its all good. Actually sell me your front bumper and lip to make up for it lol

[newalliance123]

Well ripped her apart today. Broken ring land cyl # 1 in the usual spot. Bottom end looks like it was just freshly rebuilt, all bearings are new, crank doesn't have a mark on it.

Broke my Micrometer today, but tomorrow well see what the cylinder looks like. It feels better then I thought it would be. Cross hatch visible in a few areas.

New record also for pulling the motor 1:25 :S

[DJ]

Damn you beat my 1h40.. Did you do it alone?

[newalliance123]

Nope, had a buddy deal with the PS pump and AC pump crap while I did the rest, makes a big difference !