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To: c.r. earle who wrote (153)	12/10/1998 10:05:00 PM
From: Phil(bullrider)	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 5787

c.r. I forgot to mention that I am still running the original engines in all of my vehicles. I also change the oil religiously, but about every 5,000 miles. I change the oil filters with every oil change and check the air filters and change them when necessary. Concerning your engine, have you considered attempting to find a low mileage used engine at a salvage yard? Good luck, Phil

To: c.r. earle who wrote (153)	12/11/1998 9:09:00 AM
From: JDN	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5787

Dear C.R.earle: I presume they did a compression test, else how do they know its bad rings. Does blue smoke come out the exhaust?? I am not a mechanic but seems to me if you have oil under the hood sprayed around it may be related to a gasket. In any event, should you need/want to do a Factory Rebuilt job, mine cost $2,000 US which I guess equates to about $3,000 C. ?? If you have that done you will get everything new except the block and head. Valves I believe they polish and only replace if necessary. While engine is pulled you would be wise to replace the water pump with a new one and have the engine mounts inspected. In fact anything around that area as no labor involved once engine pulled just price of parts. I even had the transmission main seal replaced, along with engine mounts etc. JDN

To: c.r. earle who wrote (153)	12/11/1998 12:02:00 PM
From: Greg from Edmonton	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5787

Did either service station perform a leak-down test? A leak-down test is a static pressure test of a cylinder, where a compression test is a dynamic test which can involve other factors. A leak-down test for each cylinder is far more accurate than a compression test because it does not rely on the battery condition, engine cranking time, or cam profile. When properly done, a mechanic can diognose wether any sealing problems are caused by worn piston rings, intake valves, or exhaust valves. If air leakage can be heard in the engine intake or exhaust during a leak-down test, then the leakage is occuring at the valves. If air leakage is present but not heard at intake or exhaust valves then it's likely worn piston rings.

To: c.r. earle who wrote (153)	12/13/1998 2:44:00 AM
From: rudedog	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 5787

Getting in a little late on this - But Don't let these clowns take you for a lot of money, there is about 1 chance in 1000 that you have a serious problem. Actual oil in the engine compartment or running down around the mounts or really anywhere near the front of the vehicle has probably got nothing to do with a bad ring. The most likely cause is a jammed PCV valve ($10 at your local parts dealer) which will cause pressure to build in the crankcase, blowing oil past the seals. This problem can also be caused by the PCV hose coming loose from the valve - this often happens when someone is say changing an air filter and either forgets to hook up the hose or hooks it up wrong. I had this happen to me once and blew out 4 quarts of oil in about 30 miles of driving, it was running out like I had left the hose on. I got real nervous until I saw the PCV hose hanging in the air about 2 inches from the PCV valve... Took five seconds to plug it back up and that was the end of the problem. If you leave the problem too long you may also have to repair the seals, but some of those 'Dr. Fixit' products which temporarily swell the seals can sometimes get it back in line - about $5 at Wall-mart. Even dropping the pan and replacing the seals is not too expensive, just usually not required unless you absolutely hate a single drop of oil on your garage floor. So I think you have a good chance of fixing your problem for less than $25. But getting a compression test is probably not a bad idea, you can easily do it yourself with a small investment for a gage, and it will let you know if you have burned a valve or are otherwise in need of some upper engine work. A leak-down test is a good way to see if the engine is tight. But check that PCV hose and valve first, especially if the engine suddenly went from user-friendly to big time leaker.