1986 Chevy S10, 4x4 V6 Automatic
209,000 miles
I am debating if it’s worth fixing the issues with it.
Does a compression test show the health of the valves and stuff. Like if it comes out good, then it’s not like it’s going to blow up anytime soon. Like could maybe even last a few years ya?
If the engine has good compression that's a good sign, but there is much more in an engine to go wrong than rings and valves. For example you could have great compression but still develop a rod knock due to worn bearings.
The compression test is an indication of the volumetric efficiency of the engine, ie, how good it is as a compressor. The main thing to look for, aside from low overall compression, is the difference in the compression between the cylinders. The compression test should be done with a leak down test to show where (rings, valves) the compression is being lost. With a leak down test, you hear the following -
If you hear air noise from the exhaust pipe, the exhaust valves are worn.
If you hear air from the intake, the intake valves are worn.
If you hear air from the dipstick tube, the rings are worn.
The leak down test is done individually, one cylinder at a time with the piston at TDC on the compression stroke with the valves closed.
Does a compression test show the health of the valves
No, not exactly.
The valve "seats" are what seal off the valve openings to the cylinder. If they're worn out then that CAN contribute to a low reading.
However, cylinder compression tests, as the name suggests, just measure the ability of a cylinder to hold pressure.
If you get a low reading, then there could be several causes. You would need to investigate further to make an accurate diagnosis.
Also, cylinder compression tests are just one tool. They are not a magic bullet.
The test will not tell you if the valves are caked in carbon, and it will not tell you if the valve stem seals, which are outside of the cylinder, are worn. (which can cause oil burning).
health of the valves and stuff.
"stuff" is pretty vague. You'll need to be more specific.
I am debating if it’s worth fixing the issues with it.
I don't know what "issues". I don't read minds.
Like if it comes out good, then it’s not like it’s going to blow up anytime soon
again. it's just a cylinder compression test. There are thousands of components on a car and any one of them can fall apart, and it's pretty likely they will after 37 years and 200k miles.
Like could maybe even last a few years ya?
Maybe it will, maybe it won't. I don't know the condition of your car and I don't have a crystal ball. If you really wanna keep it, and you're really concerned, and you don't know what to look for, then take it to somebody who does.
Low 4x4 grinds, high works
Gas tank leaks over half full
Exhaust all [expletive deleted] needs taken off patched and new muffler
Trans leak, gasket
Oil leak, rear main seal
Needs new power steering pump soon
New tires soon
Maybe could use a new torque converter at some point
Driver door, latch rusted fell off inside body of car door doesn’t shut
One window needs put back on track
Watch your language please, this is a family-friendly forum. You should acquaint yourself with the forum rules if you have not already done so. Thank you.
so what you're telling me is that it's ripe for the crusher or the scrap heap, and that you should be selling it for raw material value.