# 3 cyl dead

[302mustang]

Need help!!!! Please!!!

been spending a lot of time diagnosing my volvo penta.

Facts.

1. hard warm/hot restart. Occasional stall when in neutral
2. #3 cyl is showing 100psi the others are showing 150psi (compression test)
3. plugs look good
4. engine is not cracked
5. small moistiure/water in oil
6. the motor was previously overheated

I'm think a new head gasket off the bat, however i have been told that I need to adjust my valves....

How do i do that??? Anyone have a link or info how to adjust them after i remove the head?

I'm looking for a good fishing season this year, but so far i have problems.

Need assistance please. Would like to get this running right.

It's only one cylinder that is low compression. is this only a head gasket or worse???

Where should I start?



Thanks board!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

Other than it being a Volvo, what year and model engine is it?

 

[302mustang]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

Sorry,

It's a 96, 4 cyl, 3.0

130 horsepower

 

[302mustang]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

bump!!


Please is there anyone that can suggest help... Some local guy wants me to install a whole new long block because of this....

Really need help....


Thanks again board,
And not trying to wine, just desperate


Thanks

 

[bjcsc]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

New long block is premature...

Do you know how to do a leakdown test?

 

[302mustang]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

yes i know how to do a leak down, however I don't have the tool.

Also, if it is my exhaust valve, how am i to hear the air leaking?

Are you suggesting it's NOT a head gasket?


Thanks again

 

[bjcsc]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

No. I'm suggesting you do as much testing as possible before taking things apart. I don't know whether it is a head gasket or not. You don't need a special tool for a leakdown. You should be able to use the hose from your compression tester (instead of attaching the gauge, attach an air hose and set your regulator to ~15psi.) If it's your exhaust valve, you'll hear it wherever your exhaust exits, just like an auto. If your engine passes the leakdown test, i.e. you can't hear it in the crankcase, intake, or exhaust then it is most likely a headgasket. If you don't have a compressor, you have a good excuse to buy one! If it runs, you can also remove the valve cover and watch the valves on #3 to see if you can detect them not moving. Sometimes stuck valves can be freed...

 

[302mustang]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

yep have a compressor...

Need to think on this a bit... not exactly sure what you mean... but can try.

the engine runs. Is it okay to remove the valve covers and watch the move up and down without hurting the motor? Never heard this being done.

can a valve be stuck from over heating? How does it become "unstuck"???

and if i had to tear it apart how do i adjust the valves to make the motor run again after i make the corrections?

I'm a newbie, but not stupid.............................. (famous last words from an idiot)

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: # 3 cyl dead

Try this or more searchs on google for home leak testing. It's ain't hard to do.
http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml