Low compression one cylinder

Tiny
BMSG43
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD MUSTANG
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
Getting a check engine light. Did a cylinder balance test, number three failed. Did a compression test, number three had 60 psi, number seven had 120 psi, and the rest had 140 psi. Just recently I accidentally put in 5w-20 oil when I usually use 5w-30. My mechanic said I should use 10w-30 or 10w-40 during the summertime. Before I go dumping money into a new engine I wanted to get a second opinion. I know you cannot see it, but the car is actually running okay, it is just showing a larger than usual fuel consumption lately. It was that and the light that caught my attention. The engine has about 70,000 on the rebuild, the chassis has about 200,000 on it. This is my daily driver. I love the car, I just do not want to spend money on a new engine if it might be something else.
Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 2:16 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,698 POSTS
Hello there, 60psi is defiantly a problem, you may have a burnt or sticking valve, which would also explain the fuel consumption issue. Changing oil is not going to make a difference at this point. There is a mechanical problem with that cylinder.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
BMSG43
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your reply. By any chance would you know how much it might cost to fix a burnt or sticking valve? I am at a crossroads. I have always thought about upgrading the engine, but not this soon. I am wondering if it would be better to just pull the entire engine and put the money that I would have used for the repair towards a new one. My mechanic told me it would be anywhere from $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 possibly more. If it is a piston ring, I know that is bad. But if it is just a cylinder head valve, would it be worth it to keep what I have got? I know ultimately the decision is mine, I am just looking to see what makes the best sense overall without too much of a gamble.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,658 POSTS
It all depends on how much you like the car, if you want to keep it I want get a rebuild engine from Ford they are competitively priced and you can have it warranted at any Ford dealer. If not I would junk the car. It is hard to do sometimes but everything has a lifespan. If you love it keep it, do some research before you begin.

Please let us know.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, July 5th, 2018 AT 1:07 PM

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