Re: Bad news from my compression test I think....how can car STILL refuse to start?

Posted by PackardV8 On 2012/9/9 20:04:22

THose particular pics won't load on my funky computer hear. Based on other's replies i assume there are stuck valves. So at this point all we really want to do is free up the valves, not overhaul an engine that may not need an overhaul. Removing the head is unneccessary and too invasive at this point.

Some will forwn on this idea but i've used it many times:

THe valve if stuck real hard, may not simply drive/pry up and down. Usualy they have to be twisted while driving/prying up or down. Put a pair of vice grips on the lower stem end of the valve. In some cases the vice grips can be place arpund the spring collar. Now don;t try to grip anything wit h the vice grips like a 900 pound gorrilla. Go at it a bit slowly, increase vice grip tension as u go along. NOTE THAT THE end of the valve stem is usually hardened and therefore the vice grips will leave no or extreme slight marks. This will allow u too twist the valve in it's guide. Again, do not attempt to twist it like a 900 pound gorilla. If u can get the valve to move even just .005" inch it WILL eventualy free up with judicous twisting and prying/driving.

IN some cases, the spring and collar may neeed to be removed. Not sure if spring and collar will remove from this application without removing valve (which obviously would not be possible at this point)..

The problem with removing head at this point is that the head is on studs. That means that some of the studs may be extremely rusted to the head which means getting the head freed up mite be more a PIA than freeing the valves. Also requires draining block at least half way down.