2004 honda civic 1.7l 120k miles
My civic blew a head gasket last winter. The barr's head sealer worked until recently and now it is pushing coolent into the recovery take.
I am in the process of pulling the head to replace the head gasket (and timing belt/water pump).
It burns a little oil (1 quart 5000 miles) so I did a compression test with the following results.
cylinder 1 2 3 4
dry 165 170 165 162
wet 190 200 190 185
Is the 30 psi drop significant between wet and dry? I am trying to decide whether the valves/seats need attention?
Also is 190-200 PSI good on my civic? It wouldn't be much more of an effort to drop the oil pan and replace the piston rings if needed. I tend to think the rings are good.
I plan to take the head in and get it inspected and milled if needed. Any other suggestions while I have everything apart?
Thanks, Ted.
The oil you put in for a wet compression check affect the seal between the piston, rings and cylinder - it doesn't touch or affect the valves and valve seats.
That being said, those aren't bad numbers for 120k miles, nor is that unusual oil consumption.
BUT - if you're going to do all that head work, and feel ok about doing it yourself, why not do the rings and have a top-to-bottom fresh engine? While doing all this, you should check for play in all the bearings, scuffing on the cylinder walls, etc. Use assembly lubricant when putting pistons and bearings back in.
All things considered, the readings look pretty good. I would have the head completely rebuilt while it's at the machine shop, guides, three angle valve job, stem seals, etc.
