Advice No Compression = Depression

[jaggybunnet]

I have a TR6 which lay mainly idle over the worst of the winter.

Last time I got it to start I thought I had fouled the plugs and it was only running on 5 cylinders.

It has now failed to start at all and a friend who is a mechanic looked at it and said there is a lack of compression on more than 1 of the cylinders.

I have yet to speak to him as I am away from where the car is at the moment but I hope to catch up later today, I am sure he can tell me more but any advice is welcome.

1. Is it likely to be exhaust valves, gaskets or piston rings?

2. Likely costs?

3. Anwhere in Cumbria recommended to pick up and apply TLC?

Much appreciated.

[Redneck Rocket]

Depends what you mean by 'lack of compression'. Any engine with a bit of mileage on it is going to be down compression a little bit, but if it is down a lot then likely one of the points you've suggested. Which cylinders are down on compression? If it is 1/2, 3/4, or 5/6 more likely head gasket has gone between them. I'm thinking it's unlikely to have been a moving part as if you'd bounced a vavle or dropped a valve guide you would have noticed while it was last running, as opposed to a head gasket which can get gradually worse and not be all that noticeable under normal running. Not a huge job to change a gasket and you'll definitely know if it has gone so I'd probably be inclined to whip the head off.

[jaggybunnet]

[quote=Redneck I'd probably be inclined to whip the head off.
[/quote]

Thanks for the advice.. off with the head seems to be the order of the day.

The car is running now but on 4 clylinders so looks like it is the gasket and poss. damaged valves.

ouch.

[Stuart@RSC]

Don't sweat it - Triumph bits are cheap!!! My Spit is about 15 quid for a head gasket and valves are about 3 pounds. Labour will cost you but it isn't an overly costly job. Real question is how did the damage occur (you didn't over rev it and bounce a valve etc?). Possible that the timing chain has jumped or something like that.

I know they aren't exactly in Cumbria but IK Classics is a top garage and does pick up. I know Ian very well and he offers the kind of service you thought didn't exist any more. www.ikclassicsandracing.co.uk

ETA - sorry just changed my username, might be a bit confusing!

Edited by Stuart@RSC on Thursday 9th April 21:34

[jaggybunnet]

Stuart@RSC said:

Don't sweat it - Triumph bits are cheap!!! My Spit is about 15 quid for a head gasket and valves are about 3 pounds. Labour will cost you but it isn't an overly costly job. Real question is how did the damage occur (you didn't over rev it and bounce a valve etc?). Possible that the timing chain has jumped or something like that.

I know they aren't exactly in Cumbria but IK Classics is a top garage and does pick up. I know Ian very well and he offers the kind of service you thought didn't exist any more. www.ikclassicsandracing.co.uk

ETA - sorry just changed my username, might be a bit confusing!

Edited by Stuart@RSC on Thursday 9th April 21:34

Thanks Stuart.. don't know how damagage occurred I didn't think I overrevved at all but too many weeks between cold starts cant have helped.

I'm a bit stuck as I am 3 hours away from the car at the moment. I had a local mechanic that was a keeper but he has given up his garage due to his wife's ill health.

I will look at the link you gave, also speak to another local garage for a quote..

I think there is also a Triumph specialist near Carlisle.. will look that up 2.

Thanks ,,

[Stuart@RSC]

jaggybunnet said:

Stuart@RSC said:

Don't sweat it - Triumph bits are cheap!!! My Spit is about 15 quid for a head gasket and valves are about 3 pounds. Labour will cost you but it isn't an overly costly job. Real question is how did the damage occur (you didn't over rev it and bounce a valve etc?). Possible that the timing chain has jumped or something like that.

I know they aren't exactly in Cumbria but IK Classics is a top garage and does pick up. I know Ian very well and he offers the kind of service you thought didn't exist any more. www.ikclassicsandracing.co.uk

ETA - sorry just changed my username, might be a bit confusing!

Edited by Stuart@RSC on Thursday 9th April 21:34

Thanks Stuart.. don't know how damagage occurred I didn't think I overrevved at all but too many weeks between cold starts cant have helped.

I'm a bit stuck as I am 3 hours away from the car at the moment. I had a local mechanic that was a keeper but he has given up his garage due to his wife's ill health.

I will look at the link you gave, also speak to another local garage for a quote..

I think there is also a Triumph specialist near Carlisle.. will look that up 2.

Thanks ,,

No worries. I'd be surprised if there's valve damage though - you really would have noticed that last time it was running. I'm betting the head gasket has gone between 2 of the cylinders and it's blowing between them. If that's the case not a colossal job.

[jaggybunnet]

There wasn't any rattling going on..
More of a muffled... I'm starved of air/fuel/spark malaise.
Sparks are all there.. fuel is all there air is fine so wee gasket prob. sound highly likely.

Another mate of 70's car vintage suggested one of the oil additives that would help.

fingers x'd

Thanks