1997 Ford Escort #2 cylinder code

1997 FORD ESCORT
122,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DANO322
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I recently pulled a p0302 code(#2 cyl. misfire) and noticed a lot of smoke from the tailpipe and a possible misfire at initial start up. Plug had minor residue on it, but nothing seemingly serious. Replaced the valve stem seals under valve cover. In doing so, I found an air leak in cylinders #2 and# 3.A compression test yielded #1 and #4 at 160lbs. and #2 and #3 at 85lbs. Is this a head gasket or am I looking at a more serious internal engine problem?
Aug 22, 2010 at 10:34 PM
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RASMATAZ
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Low compression on adjacent cylinders-points to a blown headgasket
Aug 23, 2010 at 12:38 AM
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