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1997 3 cylinder engine woes; I want to fix it b4 I fix it!
Topic Started: Sep 16 2011, 03:17 PM (864 Views)
ozarkflyer
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Hi, i recentrly purchased a metro and I did the compression test last night - the results are as follows -

left cylinder 125/140
middle cylinder 125/135
right cylinder 130/140

What do these numbers tell you?

I know they are bad - but shouldn't the car be able to drive with these numbers?
I think there is some other problem that I would like to solve first b4 I doing any rebuilding. The plugs are black and sootie. They car will start, but is hard to keep running and has zero power. The previous owner cut the exhuast b4 the catalitic converter - so that is not the problem. There is some smoke while running.

Thanks
Oz
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bogs
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Duct tape heals all wounds

Those numbers tell me the engine is in serious need of a complete rebuild. The good news is that they are all roughly the same + / - 5, which means the engine is worn out evenly. The bad news is they are all WELL below the minimum recommended 150, even on the wet test.

Should it be able to drive on those numbers? Maybe, but it would probably be driving just about as you describe it here :
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They car will start, but is hard to keep running and has zero power.

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starscream5000
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Got 70 MPG?

Yep, time for a complete rebuild. :thumb
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Coche Blanco
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Troll Certified

Did you hold the throttle WOT?
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Memphis metro


Dr oz, do you have a check engine light on?
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carmech97
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ozarkflyer
Sep 16 2011, 03:17 PM

I think there is some other problem that I would like to solve first b4 I doing any rebuilding. The plugs are black and sootie.
You can always try giving it an Italian tune-up, if the rings are all gunked up it may help.
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ozarkflyer
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Sorry for the delay - but no internet at home - so car needs a complete rebuild - bummer - but ok. The car will not move under its own power and the engine light is on - I warmed up the car and did the test with all plugs out and the throttle wide open. - I have no idea what an italian tune up is - does it involve prego? So I guess the next step is to pick out the rebuild items. Is there a thread that lists the recommended parts and part #'s? - I know I want the ss exhaust valves - and I would like to upgrage with parts that will max out fuel economy. Looks like I need to pull the bug back out of the garage to make room for a tear down.
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Memphis metro


Have you had it scanned to see what the codes are? Your compression numbers are high enough your car should be running. Premium no but running.
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ozarkflyer
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No - I have not had it scanned because I would have to trailer to town. I have found some places where vacuum hoses are missing and 2 wiring plugs on the firewall behind the engine that have nothing plugged into them. So I need to figure out what is going on there. There is a broken wire that goes to a sensor behind and under the air filter I will repair soon - I doubt that is the problem though.
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Memphis metro


The iat sensor wires you speak of at the airfilter will make your light come on.
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ozarkflyer
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I would have fixed it today, but it rained all day here in the ozarks and boy did we need some rain - so no complaining here.
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