Compression Results.

[Sophistic]

Ok, so i performed a compression today and found less than ideal results.

200~
200~
181~
200~
200~
200~

That is cylinder #4. This is a 99m3 with 85k miles. Some preconditions:

1) apparently the previous owner said he had moneyshifted the car once. He said it engaged halfway, reached about 8k rpms and he promptly let off. The car never threw any CELs, or had any sort of weird behavior. Idled fine, sounded fine, etc. So he thought he just got lucky.

2) The car looses coolant at an extremely slow rate. About every 3weeks it would loose about an 1.5 (from the Kalt line) inches of coolant.

3) The car runs fine, feels strong, no smoking, no idling issues, and no overheating issues.

Question: I'm pretty sure its a HG leak in cylinder number 4. an extremely small leak at that. So here is my question...is it worth spending the money to get a new headgasket? or is there some other alternative? I think i've seen at advance auto, those FIX A HG LEAK in a bottle that look like liquid metal. It requires flushing the system/etc...but atleast that would be cheaper than a new headgasket. Has anyone ever had any experience with this stuff?

Am I just being paranoid? Is having 180~ in one cylinder considerd acceptable? Or..is this something that i should get looked at right away?

Thanks for your help bfc.

[nickdrivesm3]

Whatever you do, dont buy that Kragen fix a leak crap. I used to work at Kragen, that BS dosn't work.

Sounds like you need further diagnosis on what exactly might be leaking. Might be headgasket, might be valve. Reguardless, a headgasket at this point would really bring that motor to life. A fresh valve job while you're there too.

[JM3]

leakdown test time

[slammedE36M3]

I would just change the HG. It will cost a few bucks but its worth it.

[Bassmaster]

Personally I wouldnt do anything until at this point but drive it.
2nd KW block seal works...you could try it and would probably cure your problem.... you really dont have an immediate problem....But the leak will get eventually worse...how quick depends on your driving habits.
3rd Bring it to me (2hrs away)and I could change out the HG probably cheaper than most.

[Sophistic]

Whatever you do, dont buy that Kragen fix a leak crap. I used to work at Kragen, that BS dosn't work.

Sounds like you need further diagnosis on what exactly might be leaking. Might be headgasket, might be valve. Reguardless, a headgasket at this point would really bring that motor to life. A fresh valve job while you're there too.

Kragen = bad. Noted.

A new HG + valve job is going to cost not hundreds...but thousands. I'm really reluctant to do all of that without exhaust other options first.

JM3: Leakdown test? What is a leakdown test and How do i perform such a task? Also...will this give me anymore information ontop of what i already know could be cause of my lower compression?


slammedE36M3: As i've stated above, dropping not hundreds..but thousands of dollars is really the last thing i want to do. How is it worth it?

[Sophistic]

Personally I wouldnt do anything until at this point but drive it.
2nd KW block seal works...you could try it and would probably cure your problem.... you really dont have an immediate problem....But the leak will get eventually worse...how quick depends on your driving habits.
3rd Bring it to me (2hrs away)and I could change out the HG probably cheaper than most.

Very intresting. I will certaintly look into KW block seal as a viable option first. And, if i decided to change my HG...how much can you do it for me?

[HBpredhunter]

the money shift and coolant loss doesnt make sense.

if anything, youd lose compression from the valve being SLIGHTLY bent.

maybe a coincidence but its rare for these cars to pop head gaskets.

im willing to bet that your leaking coolant somewhere else.

leakdown test time

[Sophistic]

the money shift and coolant loss doesnt make sense.

if anything, youd lose compression from the valve being SLIGHTLY bent.

maybe a coincidence but its rare for these cars to pop head gaskets.

im willing to bet that your leaking coolant somewhere else.

leakdown test time

I was under the impression that even a slightly bent valve would drop my compression to below 100. A small hole in the headgasket would expand more due to heat than a valve. Also..a money shift would bend more than one valve and drop compression in more than one cylinder... But if as you say this is a valve problem..which is cheaper to fix? a bent valve...or a hg?

I've checked everywhere for possible coolant leaks...and could not find any external signs of leaks. I also had my waterpump/thermo/belts recently change so a leak is definatly not out of the question. But i can't help but think that the lower compression and slight lose of water is related.

Again..what is a leakdown test? will it tell me more than what i can already infer from my compression test? and...most importantly...how do i perform one?

[HBpredhunter]

your right. what im saying is its NOT going to be a bent valve. its going to be a headgasket leak. but are you SURE ur burning the coolant, not leaking it from somewhere?

[Sophistic]

No im not 100% sure.

Honestly..im really lost as to what to do. It seems like this lose of compression is not enough to warrent a HG, yet enough to know that i have a sub-par m3. sigh.

[L3000C]

if ur prepared to spend up to 1.5k on just repair work on the car, then go ahead, after the headgasket and the valves, you will basicly have a brand new engine. And simple diy like motor mounts, tranny mounts, busshings, and the guibo can be done if you have the right tools, and have a spare weekend. With all of those replaced u have basicly a brand new m, with nothing wrong, and something that still has at least 100k miles to go.

[sideshow]

sometimes slow coolant loss is associated with a leak at the water pump bearing seal if you can't find any obvious leaks elsewhere. The weep hole will have coolant in it and/or the back of the coolant shaft where the pulley attaches will have dried coolant lines on the back of it. It's easy to check it with an inspection mirror.

Also, possibly do another compression test since it's easy to do. Make sure that the engine cranks over the same number of times for each cylinder reading and also make sure that the throttle is wide open. Having one more or one less crank can be the difference in psi between cylinders.

JOEY

[TXBDan]

don't just start throwing money and parts at a problem because internet people tell you to. if you dont know what EXACTLY is wrong, then take it to a shop who can tell you. Then fix what you KNOW is wrong.

[328iJunkie]

I moneyshifted the crap outta my M52... Bent alot of the valves but the rearmost 2 cylinders were the ones hit worst(everyone else said this is usually the case) The HG was perfectly fine as far as i could tell. It just took out most of the valves... and if theres a bent valve, you would notice... my 2cents......

[Sophistic]

I moneyshifted the crap outta my M52... Bent alot of the valves but the rearmost 2 cylinders were the ones hit worst(everyone else said this is usually the case) The HG was perfectly fine as far as i could tell. It just took out most of the valves... and if theres a bent valve, you would notice... my 2cents......

Thats what everybody is also telling me, that a bent valve would be obviously noticeable. (rough idle, misfires, etc)

Can someone please tell me what is a leakdown test? and how do i perform one? Will it tell me anything more than a comp test?

[redrumM3]

I would do two things prior to spending any money to tear the engine down. First, I would have the cooling system pressure tested. See if it will hold pressure. If you have any leaks it will show up. Secondly, as mentioned earlier have the #4 cylinder leakdown tested. If there is a bent valve, bad rings or the headgasket is leaking the leakdown will determine where the problem is and you can formulate a plan of action based on the results.

[Sophistic]

I would do two things prior to spending any money to tear the engine down. First, I would have the cooling system pressure tested. See if it will hold pressure. If you have any leaks it will show up. Secondly, as mentioned earlier have the #4 cylinder leakdown tested. If there is a bent valve, bad rings or the headgasket is leaking the leakdown will determine where the problem is and you can formulate a plan of action based on the results.

Thanks.

Again, i think this is the 4th time im asking this in this thread.

What is a leakdown test? Is it something that i can perform on my own or do i take it to a shop? Dealer? or independent? How do i pressurize the coolant system? Dealer? independent?

[iateyourcheese]

Thanks.

Again, i think this is the 4th time im asking this in this thread.

What is a leakdown test? Is it something that i can perform on my own or do i take it to a shop? Dealer? or independent? How do i pressurize the coolant system? Dealer? independent?

Why ask four times when google always works.

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

This is written for Porsches, but equally applicable.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Borrowed/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm

[MasterM3]

Thanks.

Again, i think this is the 4th time im asking this in this thread.

What is a leakdown test? Is it something that i can perform on my own or do i take it to a shop? Dealer? or independent? How do i pressurize the coolant system? Dealer? independent?

why don't you run a search you lazy ass:nono

do your own research. its your own car afterall

[Sophistic]

Why ask four times when google always works.



This is written for Porsches, but equally applicable.





ty. Well, i don'thave access to a air compressor....unless you count a tire pressure pump.

Is the leakdown gauge available at advance auto or other palces?

[Sophistic]

why don't you run a search you lazy ass

do your own research. its your own car afterall

Obviously i've done the research. My previous posts show this. Was it deemed necessiary for you to write out a repsonse criticising me? instead of contributing to the knowledge and wellbeing of this thread? I hope that next time you feel like resorting to criticism, you do so on another forum.

Thanks for your inconsiderating, and level of immaturity.

[L3000C]

ty. Well, i don'thave access to a air compressor....unless you count a tire pressure pump.

Is the leakdown gauge available at advance auto or other palces?


most tire pumps wont go past 110 psi, which is a lot for a person to pump!! i doubt u can do it if u weigh under 180lbs, im 185 and i cant hit the 115psi mark on mine, even when i have all of my weight on it. Although this should work, id rather have a compressor. Can you find someone that you know that u can borrow one from, it would be much easier, even a 2-3 gallon air compressor would be great. Or lol u can go to walmart or someother place that has a good return policy, and use it and then return it, and ur exuse is u just dont need it, ur not lying. just a thought. lol if u were ever in the central fl area id let u use mine anytime lol.

[iateyourcheese]

It will cost less to get one leakdown test done than it will cost to purchase the equipment yourself. If you're worried that your cylinder is leaky, just get it done.

Just call around and ask who can do a leakdown -- and make sure they understand leakdown, not compression test.

[MasterM3]

Obviously i've done the research. My previous posts show this. Was it deemed necessiary for you to write out a repsonse criticising me? instead of contributing to the knowledge and wellbeing of this thread? I hope that next time you feel like resorting to criticism, you do so on another forum.

Thanks for your inconsiderating, and level of immaturity.

Yes I "deemed" it necessary. It was an executive decision I made after hearing you ask what a leakdown test was in 4 separate posts. Your question could have been answered by simply typing in "leakdown test" in the search function or even googling "leakdown test". Your "research" is nothing more than someone else performing the mundane task of retrieving the information for you. All you did was click the link :0

[Jkim]

I know some guys that can help around my area. Hit me up in pm.

[Sophistic]

Yes I "deemed" it necessary. It was an executive decision I made after hearing you ask what a leakdown test was in 4 separate posts. Your question could have been answered by simply typing in "leakdown test" in the search function or even googling "leakdown test". Your "research" is nothing more than someone else performing the mundane task of retrieving the information for you. All you did was click the link :0

please don't ever post in my thread again. kthxbye.

[iateyourcheese]

please don't ever post in my thread again. kthxbye.

But he was 100% correct. You asked 4 times before I threw you two links. Why didn't you just search and be done with it?

[Sophistic]

i did do a search, and did not find one that explained what a leakdown test was. Only results of some people who had done leakdown tests and the results thereof.

I also searched bimmerdiy before i decided to ask as well.

If you search HOW LEAK DOWN TEST in the search...THIS thread will be the first and only applicable thread to help those who want to know HOW to do one. You wont' get google articles, or pelican articles if you did a serach on bfc.

If search is the asnwer for everything...then what is the point of having an active forum? Obviously..everysingle problem or issue has been discussed at one point or another so what is a person to do when after intial search was done and results were not found? ASK. Isnt that what a forum is for?

You guys sound like i asked you to write a masters thesis....It takes more time to criticise me than actually be helpful.

[Burton153]

most tire pumps wont go past 110 psi, which is a lot for a person to pump!! i doubt u can do it if u weigh under 180lbs, im 185 and i cant hit the 115psi mark on mine, even when i have all of my weight on it. Although this should work, id rather have a compressor. Can you find someone that you know that u can borrow one from, it would be much easier, even a 2-3 gallon air compressor would be great. Or lol u can go to walmart or someother place that has a good return policy, and use it and then return it, and ur exuse is u just dont need it, ur not lying. just a thought. lol if u were ever in the central fl area id let u use mine anytime lol.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/btwin153/th_wmsmileybody.gif (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/btwin153/wmsmileybody.gif)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/btwin153/th_wm150x200_4.gif (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/btwin153/wm150x200_4.gif)

WalMart sucks!!
www.walmartmovie.com

[JM3]

i did do a search, and did not find one that explained what a leakdown test was. Only results of some people who had done leakdown tests and the results thereof.

I also searched bimmerdiy before i decided to ask as well.

If you search HOW LEAK DOWN TEST in the search...THIS thread will be the first and only applicable thread to help those who want to know HOW to do one. You wont' get google articles, or pelican articles if you did a serach on bfc.

If search is the asnwer for everything...then what is the point of having an active forum? Obviously..everysingle problem or issue has been discussed at one point or another so what is a person to do when after intial search was done and results were not found? ASK. Isnt that what a forum is for?

You guys sound like i asked you to write a masters thesis....It takes more time to criticise me than actually be helpful.

No, you sound like you want us to hold your hand while you learn the A's and B's of owning an automobile. If nobody answered your question the first 3 times, maybe it means you should spend some time browsing the forum and the whole internet for some useful information. Afterall, if you want something done right....:rolleyes

[Sophistic]

No, you sound like you want us to hold your hand while you learn the A's and B's of owning an automobile. If nobody answered your question the first 3 times, maybe it means you should spend some time browsing the forum and the whole internet for some useful information. Afterall, if you want something done right....


I thought bfc was a helpful place for relatively new people.

Unfortunatly, i was wrong.

bye.