<VV> LM Engine Questions/Answers

[Rodney Sampson]

See below....

Sethracer at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 12/31/2005 5:18:47 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
> rsampson at kc.rr.com writes:
>
>     1)  Did a cylinder pressure study...
>           1-150 3-175 5-180 2-150 4-160 6-150
>           At what point should I consider rings ?
>
> I'd be jumping for joy with those readings! Is it smoking?


     Smokes badly when plugs beginning to foul...

>
>
>     2) At present, I consume 1 qt of 20w50 oil per 40 mi run to and
>     from work...
>          excessive blowby and plugs 3 and 5 get fouled atleast once a
>     week.
>          With the above readings , I am assuming bad guides, anyother
>     possibilities ?
>
> The readings above point toward guides for an oil usage problem. But 
> sometimes compression rings can be okay and oil rings fail. Have you 
> done a cylinder leakdown test? What is the source of the blowby? That 
> is the question. Bad valve guides shouldn't cause it.
> Band-aid fix - better ignition to fire those "fouled plugs? Is the 
> motor leaking at all?

Motor is not leaking but haven't taken time for leakdown yet...

>
>
>     3)  Lifters, I'm considering replacing them all but the blurb from
>     Clarks advises
>           against replacement on an old cam. I've got a couple that
>     are very
>     sensitive to
>           oil levels/pressure...Comments ?
>
> Replacing a couple is the inexpensive way to go, and avoids an engine 
> teardown, at least for now. Use assembly lube on the faces of the 
> lifter. But if the rings do need replacing, you should give a thought 
> to a complete teardown. How many miles on the motor?
>  

Unfortunately, the motor came with the car, and a busted speedo...

> - Seth
>