Is combustion cleaning related to low compression on a cylinder?

Tiny
KIMBERLY CL
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,400 MILES
Roy,

I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle listed above Sport, one day check engine light when on, I decided to check the oil level and my car was empty. The oil light didn't turn on, but my car was burning the oil, the smell and there were no stains of oil on the ground. I took it to the dealership, started an oil consumption test, it didn't pass so they did a combustion cleaning. Drove for another 1,000 miles and everything was fine, 7 days after that final check while driving back from work I noticed I was pressing the gas pedal and the car wasn't going up at speed, a few minutes later it started misfiring. I took it back to the dealership and they told me I need a new engine, I don't have any warranty on it, the second cylinder has low compression, it isn't the bearing rod and I have to pay for the new engine. I went and talked in person, the manager told me the combustion cleaning doesn't have to do anything with the cylinder and in order to tell me what's wrong with it, especially they would have to tear the motor apart, which I would also have to pay. Also, she said the combustion cleaning they did was under good will.

Is there any information you might know? Could the low compression be related to the cleaning they did? They did the cleaning on Nov 12, 1,000miles check on Dic 17 (which didn't even have the full 1,000 miles when I thought it did) and then on Dic 23 I have the misfire.

Hopefully you get to read this and have some information.

Kimberly
Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 AT 6:25 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

The service in and of itself didn't. However, I have a question. How did they determine that cylinder two has low compression? Did they take the time to perform a compression test?

I ask because first, at 84,000 miles, this is very odd, and secondly if they didn't physically check, they couldn't tell. It would have required them to take the vehicle, remove the spark plugs, and using a compression gauge, check each cylinder.

By any chance, did they provide you with the compression readings? Also, when you first noticed the oil was low (no oil light) was there any ticking or knocking from the engine?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
KIMBERLY CL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi Joe,

I have no idea how they got that result. They just sent me a text saying I need a new engine, cylinder 2 has low compression, is not the bearing rod and sent me the price of what I had to pay for new engine.

Is there something I should specifically look or ask for depending on what answer they give me? I will call and ask them what procedure they did to determine that and let you know as soon as I have the answer.

And no there was no noise when my car had no oil.

Kimberly
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Kimberly,

If you ask, they can say anything. Listen, if I help you through checking compression, do you feel you could do it? It really isn't hard. All that is needed is a compression gauge. Most parts stores will lend one to you. Take a look through this link. It explains the process. I'm not saying they are being dishonest, but I don't trust anyone anymore. LOL

If a cylinder has lower compression, there is a reason for it. Now, it can be from worn rings, a leaky valve, a crack in the head or block (very unlikely), or a head gasket. All of which are repairable and don't require the entire engine to be replaced. (unless the block is cracked).

If you can do the test, I can explain what to look for, how to do it, and walk you through the process. I absolutely have no gain in fixing it cheaper other than knowing I helped someone. And frankly, to me, that means a lot.

Take a look at this link. Don't be overwhelmed by it, and let me know your thoughts. If you feel you can't do it, is there a different shop that you trust that you could take it to?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

The directions in the link are general, but they tell how it is done. At least this way you can have peace of mind.

Let me know your thoughts. I'm here to help.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 8:41 PM

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