Compression #'s

Well I finally got around to using the compression gauge I bought some time ago.

Here's what I got on a warm - not hot - engine, throttle open: #1: 155 ibs
#2: 150 lbs #3: 145 lbs and #4: 155 lbs.

Engine runs generally well as a daily driver, though she leaks enough oil to qualify as a EPA super cite. I plan on addressing all the seals and gaskets when I replace the clutch in the near future. She runs normal to cool, depending on the outside temp. Last summer when it was around 100, she ran just a hair warmer than normal. Oil pressure never drops below 50 lbs and will occasionally reach 75 lbs, though it's normally somewhere in between. It seems the motor is generally healthy.

I have, however, noticed some coolent around the #3 plug. I tiny bit collects after a week of driving - 75 miles or so. No white smoke and no apparent coolent in the oil or oil in the coolent. I'va had the car about three years and this is the first time I've noticed this. The leak appears to be coming from above the seam between the block and the head. It almost appears to be coming from around the valve cover. I pulled the valve cover, but did not see anything apparent. Head crack?

looks good.

I think I'd first suspect a small leak from the heater valve for the water near #3 plug....check that possibility.

rather than look for trouble, I think I'd drive it and keep the possibility of a leak in the back of my mind

Those compression numbers in themselves don't lead me to believe that there's any problem. Of course, they don't guarantee that there isn't, either. :)

Ditto on the heater valve. I noticed a little coolant by my #3 and it was just that. I just put a wrench on it and tightened it a bit and it went away.

I seem to recall I had a small leak from the thermostat cover one time, and it was running back along the valve cover gasket and down into the #3 spark plug hole. Looked just like a major problem, but wasn't.

Another vote for heater valve, if its not that you might try retorqueing the head.