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Low compression was told need i need a rebuild?

Posted: 23 May 2007, 14:48
by Dubnizzle
Hi I recently got a local tuners to tune my 2liter a/c westy, but was told that there was little compression in one of the chamber and that it would need a engine rebuild at £1000.

I rang around and spoke to jack's garage who said that the low compression could be due to a number of things and should get it checked out by a vw air cooled specialist before doing anything big.

So anyone know of a good air cooled specialist near Luton, Herts Beds Border.
Many Thanks

Posted: 23 May 2007, 15:24
by toomanytoys
Yeah, could just be a hydraulic tappet not allowing the valve to seat properly..
But what was the riginal problem that made them do a compression test?

Posted: 23 May 2007, 18:22
by Dubnizzle
they said that there was no spark present. does this make sense

Posted: 23 May 2007, 18:29
by kevtherev
No, not any, as a "spark not present" has nothing to do with compression...

Posted: 23 May 2007, 19:00
by Hacksawbob
but it would result in similar symptoms. rough running underpowered etc. So assume that engine is running on low compression (did you see the figures by the way?) as has been said several reasons, anything that seals the piston could be at fault piston rings, inlet and exhaust valves cylinder head itself etc. is it the left forward one that is causing issues? I may be wrong but I think it may run hottter than the rest as it has the oil cooler in its airflow.

Posted: 24 May 2007, 08:14
by toomanytoys
I think you need a second opinion...
No spark on pot or all? if only 1 fit new spark plug they do fail.. otherwise it could be the lead the dizzy cap or rotor arm..

Posted: 24 May 2007, 08:30
by HarryMann
There's a bloke in Berkhamsted who'd look at it, and troubleshoot it, but wouldn't be too keen to work on it if seriously messed about with (said a lot are, cowlings, fans, carbs etc.)

He's over the road from me, George Street. M. Foster (Motors), about 20 minutes from Luton through Slip End, Markyate, Gaddesden Row and Potten End ... will fix anything from a Maserati Ghibli to a Suzuk Alto.

You need the compressions checking and the ignition system, if its not them it'll be the carburation up the swanny. About £40/hr think, but genuine hours spent on it... will ask if you like