John D.

Yeah...but you couldn't tell anything was wrong listening to it
idling.

As for SUVs, I'm in no hurry like most everyone else is, but I stay in
the right "slow" lane regardless...they can pass me all they want.
Let's see if ANY of them are still on the road in 30 years...probably
not...I pass a lot of them broken down on the shoulder or "camping
out" on the freeway medians during holidays. ;-)

John D.



meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5EACE3.9090104@yahoo.com>...
> Wow - 4 years! I find it a little scary with all the SUV's around
> pulling out into traffic, with a engine that isn't really all there.
>
> My wife is opposed to putting an engine in this car... I only paid about
> $2500. Engine availability is not really the problem. I was thinking of
> checking the milage one last time and putting it in the paper. See what
> I could get.... I see all these "engine needs work" at the same year for
> $800, Edmunds says more like $500 for "Average" or "Rough"
>
> -D
>
> I did see that there are lots of engines around
>
> John D. wrote:
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
> >
> > My point is, these Japanese cars -- even "wounded" -- can be pretty
> > reliable and definitely "get you around" despite their ills! Can't
> > complain here!!
> >
> > John D.
> >
> >
> >
> > meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5D47B0.2020302@yahoo.com>...
> >
> >>Thanks guys - There are two mechanics involved... The one that did the
> >>valve work and eventually admitted that he didn't work on rings - Which
> >>I've now learned he should have. (Hindsight is 20/20)
> >>
> >>The second mechanic is much more trusted and I believe him when he says
> >> the compression is low in one cyl. I just put some Marvel's Mystery
> >>Oil in for the fun of it, and it is significantly less wobbly! It's
> >>still there when going just at the wrong RPM. I have started looking for
> >>another vehicle. It's neat how it is STILL moving me around!
> >>
> >>Did Honda change any designs so that later years would be less likely to
> >>have this sort of thing happen? Is the Accord different than the Civic?
> >>
> >>-Dan
> >>
> >>Eric wrote:
> >>
> >>>meld_b wrote:
> >>
> >> Chop...still burns oil?
> >>
> >>>
> >>>Often times, simply replacing a head gasket or doing other head work on these
> >>>motors without doing any work on the rings will lead to high oil consumption.
> >>>It is best to rering the engine in order to ensure that this problem does not
> >>>occur.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>It sounds like this mechanic may be trying to cover up something. It there's a
> >>>cylinder low on compression, then you need to find out why. For example, is the
> >>>compression loss occurring past the rings or via the valves? If it's past the
> >>>valves and this mechanic did the valve work, then he could be held responsible.
> >>>Note that you may want to take it to another mechanic for diagnosis in order to
> >>>obtain (hopefully) an unbiased and honest assessment of the situation.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>The Engine light had been seen a couple of times and I was getting
> >>>>ready to put an 02 sensor and plugs in.
> >>>
> >>>If the engine light has come on, then it might have set some codes in the ECU.
> >>>The codes are accessed by pulling up the front of carpet on the passenger side
> >>>floor, turning the key to the on position, and then counting the number and
> >>>sequence of the LED flashes.
> >>>
> >>>Eric
> >>

John D.

Yeah...but you couldn't tell anything was wrong listening to it
idling.

As for SUVs, I'm in no hurry like most everyone else is, but I stay in
the right "slow" lane regardless...they can pass me all they want.
Let's see if ANY of them are still on the road in 30 years...probably
not...I pass a lot of them broken down on the shoulder or "camping
out" on the freeway medians during holidays. ;-)

John D.



meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5EACE3.9090104@yahoo.com>...
> Wow - 4 years! I find it a little scary with all the SUV's around
> pulling out into traffic, with a engine that isn't really all there.
>
> My wife is opposed to putting an engine in this car... I only paid about
> $2500. Engine availability is not really the problem. I was thinking of
> checking the milage one last time and putting it in the paper. See what
> I could get.... I see all these "engine needs work" at the same year for
> $800, Edmunds says more like $500 for "Average" or "Rough"
>
> -D
>
> I did see that there are lots of engines around
>
> John D. wrote:
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
> >
> > My point is, these Japanese cars -- even "wounded" -- can be pretty
> > reliable and definitely "get you around" despite their ills! Can't
> > complain here!!
> >
> > John D.
> >
> >
> >
> > meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5D47B0.2020302@yahoo.com>...
> >
> >>Thanks guys - There are two mechanics involved... The one that did the
> >>valve work and eventually admitted that he didn't work on rings - Which
> >>I've now learned he should have. (Hindsight is 20/20)
> >>
> >>The second mechanic is much more trusted and I believe him when he says
> >> the compression is low in one cyl. I just put some Marvel's Mystery
> >>Oil in for the fun of it, and it is significantly less wobbly! It's
> >>still there when going just at the wrong RPM. I have started looking for
> >>another vehicle. It's neat how it is STILL moving me around!
> >>
> >>Did Honda change any designs so that later years would be less likely to
> >>have this sort of thing happen? Is the Accord different than the Civic?
> >>
> >>-Dan
> >>
> >>Eric wrote:
> >>
> >>>meld_b wrote:
> >>
> >> Chop...still burns oil?
> >>
> >>>
> >>>Often times, simply replacing a head gasket or doing other head work on these
> >>>motors without doing any work on the rings will lead to high oil consumption.
> >>>It is best to rering the engine in order to ensure that this problem does not
> >>>occur.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>It sounds like this mechanic may be trying to cover up something. It there's a
> >>>cylinder low on compression, then you need to find out why. For example, is the
> >>>compression loss occurring past the rings or via the valves? If it's past the
> >>>valves and this mechanic did the valve work, then he could be held responsible.
> >>>Note that you may want to take it to another mechanic for diagnosis in order to
> >>>obtain (hopefully) an unbiased and honest assessment of the situation.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>The Engine light had been seen a couple of times and I was getting
> >>>>ready to put an 02 sensor and plugs in.
> >>>
> >>>If the engine light has come on, then it might have set some codes in the ECU.
> >>>The codes are accessed by pulling up the front of carpet on the passenger side
> >>>floor, turning the key to the on position, and then counting the number and
> >>>sequence of the LED flashes.
> >>>
> >>>Eric
> >>

John D.

Yeah...but you couldn't tell anything was wrong listening to it
idling.

As for SUVs, I'm in no hurry like most everyone else is, but I stay in
the right "slow" lane regardless...they can pass me all they want.
Let's see if ANY of them are still on the road in 30 years...probably
not...I pass a lot of them broken down on the shoulder or "camping
out" on the freeway medians during holidays. ;-)

John D.



meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5EACE3.9090104@yahoo.com>...
> Wow - 4 years! I find it a little scary with all the SUV's around
> pulling out into traffic, with a engine that isn't really all there.
>
> My wife is opposed to putting an engine in this car... I only paid about
> $2500. Engine availability is not really the problem. I was thinking of
> checking the milage one last time and putting it in the paper. See what
> I could get.... I see all these "engine needs work" at the same year for
> $800, Edmunds says more like $500 for "Average" or "Rough"
>
> -D
>
> I did see that there are lots of engines around
>
> John D. wrote:
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
> >
> > My point is, these Japanese cars -- even "wounded" -- can be pretty
> > reliable and definitely "get you around" despite their ills! Can't
> > complain here!!
> >
> > John D.
> >
> >
> >
> > meld_b <meld_b@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<3F5D47B0.2020302@yahoo.com>...
> >
> >>Thanks guys - There are two mechanics involved... The one that did the
> >>valve work and eventually admitted that he didn't work on rings - Which
> >>I've now learned he should have. (Hindsight is 20/20)
> >>
> >>The second mechanic is much more trusted and I believe him when he says
> >> the compression is low in one cyl. I just put some Marvel's Mystery
> >>Oil in for the fun of it, and it is significantly less wobbly! It's
> >>still there when going just at the wrong RPM. I have started looking for
> >>another vehicle. It's neat how it is STILL moving me around!
> >>
> >>Did Honda change any designs so that later years would be less likely to
> >>have this sort of thing happen? Is the Accord different than the Civic?
> >>
> >>-Dan
> >>
> >>Eric wrote:
> >>
> >>>meld_b wrote:
> >>
> >> Chop...still burns oil?
> >>
> >>>
> >>>Often times, simply replacing a head gasket or doing other head work on these
> >>>motors without doing any work on the rings will lead to high oil consumption.
> >>>It is best to rering the engine in order to ensure that this problem does not
> >>>occur.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>It sounds like this mechanic may be trying to cover up something. It there's a
> >>>cylinder low on compression, then you need to find out why. For example, is the
> >>>compression loss occurring past the rings or via the valves? If it's past the
> >>>valves and this mechanic did the valve work, then he could be held responsible.
> >>>Note that you may want to take it to another mechanic for diagnosis in order to
> >>>obtain (hopefully) an unbiased and honest assessment of the situation.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>The Engine light had been seen a couple of times and I was getting
> >>>>ready to put an 02 sensor and plugs in.
> >>>
> >>>If the engine light has come on, then it might have set some codes in the ECU.
> >>>The codes are accessed by pulling up the front of carpet on the passenger side
> >>>floor, turning the key to the on position, and then counting the number and
> >>>sequence of the LED flashes.
> >>>
> >>>Eric
> >>

Eric

"John D." wrote:
>
> Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>
> Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> restore the car at some point if possible.

That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.

Eric

Eric

"John D." wrote:
>
> Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>
> Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> restore the car at some point if possible.

That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.

Eric

Eric

"John D." wrote:
>
> Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>
> Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> restore the car at some point if possible.

That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.

Eric

John D.

Eric,

I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.

But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
you suggest.

I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
cylinder though...

John D.



Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
> "John D." wrote:
> >
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
>
> That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
> mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
> this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
> incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
> emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
> to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
> the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>
> Eric

John D.

Eric,

I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.

But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
you suggest.

I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
cylinder though...

John D.



Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
> "John D." wrote:
> >
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
>
> That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
> mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
> this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
> incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
> emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
> to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
> the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>
> Eric

John D.

Eric,

I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.

But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
you suggest.

I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
cylinder though...

John D.



Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
> "John D." wrote:
> >
> > Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
> > with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
> > and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
> >
> > Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
> > Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
> > engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
> > like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
> > REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
> > well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
> > restore the car at some point if possible.
>
> That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
> mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
> this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
> incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
> emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
> to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
> the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>
> Eric

meld_b

No - I'm not poor just "cheap" well... actually saving up for the house
addition 8-)

I'm still bombing around in this thing. I'm about to fill up and assess
the milage to see how much raw gas is going by. My last few tanks were
37.4,37.2,37.7,40.2,34.1 (the problem happened at the tail end of the
last tank) It is interesting how at highway speeds you can't tell there
is anything wrong. Going up a hill from a stop is very rough. The
frequency and amount of shaking seems to shift around...

What's a good theory? A piece of valve broke off? or maybe a piece of
ring? and stuff gets plugged in there and that's how it could "fix" itself?

If the emmissions test 'round here had any teeth in it I wouldn't have
been able to buy this car in the first place. This would have been a
good thing! The guy who signed the inspection sticker had the valves
done and just glanced at the cylinder and declared it "In great shape"
he didn't check compression... OK so I'm learning.

The big question is: I had since checked compression to be 140-145 on
all 4 when it was burning oil... so Is this in spec? If so, what do you
have to do to make sure you've got an OK engine? A leakdown test?

-D



John D. wrote:
> Eric,
>
> I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.
>
> But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
> you suggest.
>
> I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
> has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
> cylinder though...
>
> John D.
>
>
>
> Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
>
>>"John D." wrote:
>>
>>>Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
>>>with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
>>>and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>>>
>>>Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
>>>Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
>>>engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
>>>like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
>>>REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
>>>well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
>>>restore the car at some point if possible.
>>
>>That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
>>mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
>>this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
>>incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
>>emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
>>to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
>>the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>>
>>Eric
>

meld_b

No - I'm not poor just "cheap" well... actually saving up for the house
addition 8-)

I'm still bombing around in this thing. I'm about to fill up and assess
the milage to see how much raw gas is going by. My last few tanks were
37.4,37.2,37.7,40.2,34.1 (the problem happened at the tail end of the
last tank) It is interesting how at highway speeds you can't tell there
is anything wrong. Going up a hill from a stop is very rough. The
frequency and amount of shaking seems to shift around...

What's a good theory? A piece of valve broke off? or maybe a piece of
ring? and stuff gets plugged in there and that's how it could "fix" itself?

If the emmissions test 'round here had any teeth in it I wouldn't have
been able to buy this car in the first place. This would have been a
good thing! The guy who signed the inspection sticker had the valves
done and just glanced at the cylinder and declared it "In great shape"
he didn't check compression... OK so I'm learning.

The big question is: I had since checked compression to be 140-145 on
all 4 when it was burning oil... so Is this in spec? If so, what do you
have to do to make sure you've got an OK engine? A leakdown test?

-D



John D. wrote:
> Eric,
>
> I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.
>
> But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
> you suggest.
>
> I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
> has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
> cylinder though...
>
> John D.
>
>
>
> Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
>
>>"John D." wrote:
>>
>>>Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
>>>with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
>>>and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>>>
>>>Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
>>>Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
>>>engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
>>>like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
>>>REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
>>>well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
>>>restore the car at some point if possible.
>>
>>That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
>>mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
>>this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
>>incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
>>emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
>>to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
>>the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>>
>>Eric
>

meld_b

No - I'm not poor just "cheap" well... actually saving up for the house
addition 8-)

I'm still bombing around in this thing. I'm about to fill up and assess
the milage to see how much raw gas is going by. My last few tanks were
37.4,37.2,37.7,40.2,34.1 (the problem happened at the tail end of the
last tank) It is interesting how at highway speeds you can't tell there
is anything wrong. Going up a hill from a stop is very rough. The
frequency and amount of shaking seems to shift around...

What's a good theory? A piece of valve broke off? or maybe a piece of
ring? and stuff gets plugged in there and that's how it could "fix" itself?

If the emmissions test 'round here had any teeth in it I wouldn't have
been able to buy this car in the first place. This would have been a
good thing! The guy who signed the inspection sticker had the valves
done and just glanced at the cylinder and declared it "In great shape"
he didn't check compression... OK so I'm learning.

The big question is: I had since checked compression to be 140-145 on
all 4 when it was burning oil... so Is this in spec? If so, what do you
have to do to make sure you've got an OK engine? A leakdown test?

-D



John D. wrote:
> Eric,
>
> I didn't say it was "fine" for ANY car -- it isn't -- I'm just poor.
>
> But maybe the original poster is NOT poor...he should get it fixed as
> you suggest.
>
> I was just stating what a car can do even though it's not 100%. My car
> has even "fixed itself" on occasion. Amazing. Can't fix its #2
> cylinder though...
>
> John D.
>
>
>
> Eric <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:<3F5FF968.A88ACF6E@spam.now>...
>
>>"John D." wrote:
>>
>>>Yes, it still gets you -- and me -- "around" even with one cylinder
>>>with low compression...in my case it's #2 cylinder which has 27 pounds
>>>and it's been that way for about 4 years now!
>>>
>>>Why don't I get it fixed? For one thing, try to find another 1973
>>>Datsun 1200 engine in an auto salvage yard or even a remanufactured
>>>engine somewhere...the A12 engine isn't evenlisted on such an old car
>>>like this one, or, try to find parts for rebuilding an A12. Probably
>>>REALLY expensive even if I DID find an engine. Besides, it runs pretty
>>>well considering, but yes, I DO plan to get it rebuilt somehow and
>>>restore the car at some point if possible.
>>
>>That's fine for such an old car. All you loose is some power and loss of
>>mileage. However, for a more modern car such as the one under consideration in
>>this thread, the low compression will lead to excessive emissions due to
>>incompletely burned fuel making it difficult if not impossible to pass an
>>emissions test. Moreover, this will likely also cause the catalytic converter
>>to overheat and shorten its life. The incompletely burned fuel could also wash
>>the rings of oil on that cylinder leading to greater wear.
>>
>>Eric
>

Eric

If you add a couple of squirts of oil to the problem cylinder and redo the
compression test you should be able to determine if it's the rings or the
valves. The compression should come up if the problem is in the rings, while
there should be little change if it's the valves.

Eric

Eric

If you add a couple of squirts of oil to the problem cylinder and redo the
compression test you should be able to determine if it's the rings or the
valves. The compression should come up if the problem is in the rings, while
there should be little change if it's the valves.

Eric

Eric

If you add a couple of squirts of oil to the problem cylinder and redo the
compression test you should be able to determine if it's the rings or the
valves. The compression should come up if the problem is in the rings, while
there should be little change if it's the valves.

Eric