MGB Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 18GK

[Basil]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

Hap & I will work on it & turn it into a tech tip..time for Basil & I to talk about a tech section on the BCF!!

I sort of have one - its called the Wiki Knowledge Base. We just need to figure a way to make it more user-friendly and visible.

 

[wkilleffer]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

As far as running the car hot goes, there were a couple of times this summer and maybe even last summer where the temp gauge got very close to the H on the gauge. I blame the problem summer before last on the fact that I had mis-set the timing to be too retarded. This summer was very hot down here, and I did not have any extra fans installed.

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]This summer was very hot down here, and I did not have any extra fans installed.[/QUOTE]
BAND AID! Not a solution! You don't need any extra fans to keep it running at normal temperature...what you need is a properly operating cooling system: radiator cleaned/pressurized, new hoses that aren't collapsing inside, good thermostat, engine block/head backflushed so water ports flow freely, heater core flushed/pressurized w/new heater hoses, heater valve opened/cheaned/maintained....if all those were operating properly (as designed), the system would keep the engine cool without hanging extra fans on it!

I've never hung an extra fan on any MGB I've ever owned & have never had one run hot so long as I kept the cooling system operating as designed.

Sorry for the rant....just one of my personal peeves, extra fans are.

 

[jlaird]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

Mine have always been ok as well, even on the hotest days. Will admit to seeing the temp go up a bit on long grades though. Never over 200.

 

[PAUL161]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

Hap & I will work on it & turn it into a tech tip..time for Basil & I to talk about a tech section on the BCF!!

WHAT A SUPER IDEA TONY! When the members contribute their knowledge and skills, as you and Hap along with others have done in the past, they should be available for every one to see any time they need the information. A tech section would be perfect as it would keep them in one group. Hope Basil agrees with you. PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

That's what Basil is saying about the wiki. It's what should 'morph' into the tech section.

 

[wkilleffer]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

I just went outside and did a cold, dry compression test.

#1 the gauge would go up to 150, but wouldn't stay there.

#2 150 both times

#3 99 91

#4 120 both times

I've also wiped the valve cover, head, and area of the block where the head and block meet to see how much seepage is going on next time I drive it. Don't think I'll be driving it today.

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

You now have 2 choices:

1) Leak down test as Hap advised to determine exactly where the problem lies

2) Pull the head & check the head gasket, the valves for #3 piston, the rings in #3 to see which is causing the problem

...though, IMHO, something in/around #4 is also suspect!

 

[AweMan]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

If you want a piece of mind, that you arn`t tearing into your engine "Willy Nilly" then a leakdown test is the way to go. It can tell you {Like Hap said} where the specific problem lay, and which part is the culprit. {be it a ring, valve, or gasket} Or even IF there is a problem at all. I have a tendancy to think that there IS a problem in #3 & #4 from the information given thus far. But ...... I have been wrong before too. Chronological age on an engine shouldn`t affect its condition unless it had maybe accumulated heavy rust on the cylinder walls from long periods of idleness. Having only 15K on it and developing problems seems a shame to me.
What ever the outcome is I and i`m sure everyone would all like to know what the problem, if any is/was.
Kerry

 

[Guinn]

Re: Worrisome compression test results on my MGB 1

Maybe you should do it the old Army way: "Do something, even if it's wrong!"

Guinn