Leakdown test results, what do you think?

[burn_your_money]

I need a new motor for my Golf. It's been off the road for about a month because of low compression. I bought a 1.6 TD hydaulic lifter motor, got rid of the TD crap and it will be installed in NA form.

By turning the motor over by hand, I can tell 1 of the cylinders has about an extra 50-100 PSI then the others. I'm guessing compression is 350-350-450-350 based on how hard it is to turn the motor over, not in that order though.

I did a leakdown test and these are my findings:

Cyl 1: 97/98 psi - some lost through the intake, some through the rings
Cyl 2: 96/98 psi - intake valve leak
Cyl 3: 97/98 psi - no head leaks, all rings
Cyl 4: 96/98 psi - intake valve leak. The lifter does not contact the camshaft. It doesn't hit the piston though. Is a collapsed lifter the most likely suspect?

What would you do to this motor before installing it if it was yours?

I just did the t-belt on the old motor, I can just transfer it over right? There is no reason to not re use it?

Thanks guys

[blkboostedtruck]

well if the cylinders don't look bad just do a re-ring hone cylinders and cut the ridge thats if only your cylinders are still in speck? iv'e done that many of times! my last tractor rebuild got me 75000 miles not bad for just 150bucks worth of parts!
Duane

[burn_your_money]

Money is tight and time is even tighter.

I just don't want to drop it in and then have to take it out again because the stupid thing doesn't work.
With these numbers is there any chance of a headgasket leak?

[blkboostedtruck]

usually a blown HG you would prolly have 2 cylinders half of a good compression and near same # with 1 good or 2 good compression!
but not same # accross board for sure i thing you just got worn rings?
Duane

[burn_your_money]

Thanks Duane. That is what I was thinking as well.

Anyone else have an opinion?

[vanagonturbo]

if it was my car and engine; I would install the whole thing, take the head off, hone and rering it, rebuild the head, and go with it.

[zukgod1]

Rings Tyler!!!

Seriously though, rings, hand lap the valves, sounds like a bad hydro lifter on the one you mentioned. Toss in a MLS gasket and your off to the races.

[burn_your_money]

Rings because of 350? That's good compression for me LOL

[arb]

Rings Tyler!!!

Seriously though, rings, hand lap the valves, sounds like a bad hydro lifter on the one you mentioned. Toss in a MLS gasket and your off to the races.

Ditto - rings and lap the valves - maybe a gummed up lifter - try cleaning them / inspecting when you lap the valves :-)  somewhat quick & easy. Oh, yeah, pop a few bearing caps and see if you really need bearings too. Not a lot more, but much easier to do now...

[zukgod1]

Rings because of 350? That's good compression for me LOL

No your correct those #'s are not to bad but if your going to take it apart for the valve issue you just as well do the rings, it's a cheap deal if it's already apart.

[zozep]

you can buy the head and block off my other N/a for 300 Just gotta come pick it up.

[burn_your_money]

you can buy the head and block off my other N/a for 300 Just gotta come pick it up.

I'm going to do a compresion test later this week, and if it is low I'll probably buy your motor.
I'd love to rebuild this one but I don't have the time right now