should i be trusting my mechanic

[junk301]

Unfortunately I didn't have time to do the tests however a quick questions..If I were to somehow be able to swap out the top end would that solve the cylinder issue? Assuming the replacement top end is functioning.  Cheers!

[adidasguy]

Until you know the cause, replacing the top may be wasted effort. Could be a piston or piston ring problem.

[junk301]

Hello all, I recently poured a lil oil in the non functioning cylinder to see if it would change the reading.  Fortunately it hasn't (I've heard this is good because if the reading did increase it would mean the fault would lie with the piston rings?)  Another sign, Ive seen that oil has been leaking through the valve cover. Not much but I am seeing a large amount of black residue buiding up on the top end.

[adidasguy]

Valve cover leaks are nothing serious. The valve cover is just a cover to keep oil from flying everywhere. A bad valve cover gasket is easy to replace. If the valve cover itself is damaged - that will not cause engine problems. You can run an engine without a valve cover if you don't mind oil splattering everywhere. That is the sole purpose of the valve cover. It has nothing to do with compression or engine performance.

HOWEVER... if the leak is on the bad side, maybe you have a crack in the engine head? maybe the thingy that holds down the end of the cam is cracked? (the journals?) That means valves on that side don't work right.

Clean everything off spotless. Let it dry. Spray baby powder all over and see where the oil starts from. If from the head and not the valve cover gasket, you might have a bad head gasket or a crack in the head.

Valve cover gasket: cheap and easy to fix. $15 or so for a new valve cover gasket. Possible an o-ring is missing from one of the larger bolts. That will cause a small  leak.

If Valve Cover is cracked/damaged: also easy to fix - replace valve cover ($25 maybe for a used one and any year will work.) and gasket & o-rings.

Head gasket: Harder to fix, but not that expensive unless you don't have a torque wrench or one to borrow.

Cracked Head: need new head. Can not be repaired. Same for cam journals. They are machined with the head.

[junk301]

Ok thanks adidas guy.  like i mentioned before I can possibly get the top end for cheap somewhere if its more serious. Im just hoping its not the pistons...Ill try what you mentioned in the meantime.  Thanks!

[Paulcet]

Since the problem is probably the head, I'd suggest you go ahead and pull it off.  You can do it with the engine still in the frame.  You can get a visual on the pistons and cylinders as well as close inspection of the head and valves. 

[junk301]

As soon as i get my feeler gauge from ebay I'll go ahead and take the cover off.  Might as well check the valve tension as well.

Cheers