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micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

As I was almost certain I had a broken head gasket I bought myself a compression tester to see just how bad it was. But when I tested I was pretty surprised with the results. They are as follows:

Cyl. 1: 175 psi
Cyl. 2: 190 psi
Cyl. 3: 200 psi
Cyl. 4: 210 psi

The strange thing is, I suspected the cylinders 2-4 gasket broken because it has a bit of oil leaking from between the cylinders and head. But now I am not so certain. I have the mayo in the oil filler neck and cap, but I guess it is not caused by a broken head gasket. What else could cause the mayo? Any ideas what might be wrong?

Thanks in advance
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

Sergio · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 9:03 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Please someone correct me if I am wrong... Couldn't it be moisture(humidity) coming through the the air filter, in wet weather conditions?

I apologise if I'm wrong - It's just a suggestion.

All the Best

Sérgio

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

That might very well be the case, since I ran it without an airfilter for about a month. Any thaughts on this?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

Ian M · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 11:05 pm Post subject:

Yes this could cause the mayo,also lots of short journeys can cause it.
There are many symptoms of a head gasket failure depending on where it has failed.
If you have water in the oil then I would expect to see some oil in the coolant.
I once had one fail where overnight one cylinder would fill with water and I had to take out the plug,spin it over to blow it out before starting.
Your compressions seem ok although all different 150psi should be plenty.
Make sure when doing the test you spin it over for around 10 seconds.

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Ok, I'll start by changing the oil. But how do I get all the mayo out of the filler neck?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

Admin · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2003 5:43 pm Post subject:

Hi

Depends on the model of car. With the late models the whole top of the oil filler neck comes off (needs about 1/3 of a turn). The slightly earlier cars have the top of the oil filler neck held in place with a bolt which you get out down the filler neck. In either case take it off and put it through a degreasing tank

All the best

Keith

micap · Alfasud Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Denmark

Ok, I'll check that out. By the way, what causes the difference in compression?
_________________
/Michael

ex 89 1.7 QV
now 85 1.5 QV with 1.7 engine.

cpc9 · Guest

The cylinders ability to hold pressure. Things that affect that are the condition of the piston rings, valves, pistons themselves, cylinder walls, whether or not the gasket is blown at that cylinder. That number 1 cylinder looks too far out of the range. They should be within around 10 of each other I would have said. Could indicate a blown gasket there.

ChrisC · Alfa Sprint Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Frome

forgot to log in for that one post ^. oops.
_________________
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Silver Lancia Beta HPE Volumex - under restoration