Zero10

White deposits on the bottom of the valves are pretty normal. Also some carbon/soot on the piston crowns is fine as well, especially for a 20 year old car.
Interesting that a valve spring broke. It is very rare that happens.

smoemt

Not to steal your thread, but I have been noticing when I down shift to accelerate, smoke comes out of my exhaust... so I did a compression test tonight and all of my numbers were within 1 to 2 numbers around 180psi. With this being said, what is the smoke I am seeing... could it be too much fuel; I have been getting horrible gas mileage (20 highway) so I cant figure it out.

Stan944

Now that I have it apart, in addition to defective hydraulic lifter, both the inner and the outer springs (which is so thick!), the keeper and the seal are shattered!

... no DME chips, just a heavy right foot....

Stan944

I finally have her back on the road! and the rattling noise above 5500 rpm went away too - a bonus.

KuHL 951

Congrats on a speedy and successful recovery. I wish I was so lucky with my 83.

Stan944

thanks, I hope you're getting there too.

El Commandante

I just tested my car and cylinders 2-4 are at 175 , but cylinder 1 is at 155.
Is this really bad, because i dont feel like tearing my car apart right now

86 NA

KuHL 951

You don't say what #3 is but if it's close to spec I wouldn't worry too much about driving it for awhile but you should get it fixed sooner than later with a 15% difference. You should do a leakdown test if you have the equipment. At least it will tell you if it's leaking from the head or rings. It's not as bad as the machined head I have to remove again on the BMW 180 to 90 with most hovering between 140-155; so much for the shop finding that crack. Picked up a replacement head tonight and will do this one more time and then that's it no matter what the outcome.