Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,
I think i have a fault with valves!

Can right hand cylinder head be removed with engine in to work on valves??

Did compression test today, low reading on port under air filter, about 100 compared to 150 for all others, not sure which number this is refered to. I added oil but reading did not alter.

I have been told by by mechanic neighbor that this rules out piston rings and can only be valve problem.

Also how easy is this job going to be for a novice!

the 'adding oil' trick to see if compression increases doesnt work on a flat 4, as the oil cant get right around the rings to seal any leaks like it can on an inline 4 with upright cyl.s,
in theory it is poss to remove a head with the engine in, but they can be a right pig to get unstuck from the liner, and tend to pull the liner out with the head unless you're very lucky, i tried once but couldnt separate the head, and ended up taking the engine out, even on the bench, parting the head and liner can be tricky if mine is anything to go by, to be honest, taking the engine out isnt all that difficult,and makes the job tons easier, and you may find other probs while its out that need doing like dodgy mounts, hoses, exh. headers etc. etc.

engine out all the time.

I've a low mileage 1.9 that tapped a bit but worked fine, (pulled 90+) free if you collect.

Hi manxman, looking at where your based its a bit of a way for me to go, and looks like i'll get my feet wet too
Thanks for the offer tho!

STOP
Have you popped the rocker cover to see if the valve is stuck open etc..

you could also back off the adjusters to just touching and see if this makes a difference.. the hydro lifters are bad at keeping a valve slightly lifted... thus making it seem like a leak...
these are checks you can make with the engine in... and before you pull the head...

Ta for the advice,

I'll pop the rocker cover off tomrrow and have a look.

Will a stuck valve be obvious to spot?

well the rocker will be "loose" and or the valves wont be "level"...