Looks like engine rebuild time....

Finally got around to doing a compression check on the '76 B. 95 - 15 - 100 - 100, so looks like slight issue with #2! Squirted some oil in there and the compression increased to about 50, so looks like I'll be doing a ring job. I will be sitting down to watch my Dr Doolins tape shortly! Any other good resources for this type of stuff? I haven't ever done anything more major than a head gasket, so this should be interesting. Realistically, based on the upcoming calendar, I'll be lucky to be finished by the end of May..... Plenty of q's coming, I'm sure.

Dan D

Rarely can you simply change the rings and expect a miracle. The rings usually go because the cylinders are worn (typically bigger at the top than the bottom). At a minimum I think you should expect to be boring and fitting new pistons.

Usually compression readings that low indicate a leaking head gasket or a valve problem. I'd guess you've got a burned valve or a valve seat that is recessed. Did you check the valve clearances before you tested compression?

You could just be a valve problem. I'd pull the head first and see what is what. Do a little measuring in the cylinders while there. Then decide if the whole engine is coming out.

But the compression jumping from 15 (dry) to 50 (wet) doesn't look that promising.

Right - I thought that if you squirt some oil in there and the compression jumped up, it meant rings, not valves...? I figured that since I had the engine out, "I might as well..."! I will check the bearings and bores, etc.

Dan D

i would do a valve lash and do another test. it just might....

A leak down test will tell you whether it's the bottom or top of the engine or both.

Hap, can you point me to somewhere with instructions on how to do that? Or can that only be done in a shop?

Ah, just read about it here -

<http://www.geocities.com/dsmgrrrl/FAQs/leakdown.htm>

Since I don't have any compressed air, perhaps I'll take it to my local garage and see if they can do it.

Is there any way I can temporarily cut down on the belching blue smoke driving to and from the shop? It's really bad and I'm wondering if there is any additive that might temporarily fix this. Or I guess I could just run on three cylinders!

Thx, Dan

Dan,
At a reading of 15 its just not worth pushing. Time to dig in.

When a B has been burning a lot of oil because of the rings, the valves usually end up burning too. Do the whole thing right the first time.