mk3_1
26-05-2007, 11:48 PM
Hi there. I'm actually posting this on behalf of my girlfriend
who has just purchased a nice little 88 Civic Auto Hatch (only done
160,000kms) to find that it just might be running a little low on compression.
I say 'might be' because I've got no clue about cars, but the
RACV bloke who came and helped her start it (after she'd been
having a few starting problems with it) said that the reason these
cars play up (if not an electrical reason) is due to low compression
in the engine - something to do with oil rings or piston rings - he apparently
saw a puff of blue smoke and it then went away.
He suggested using thicker oil in the mean time (apparently, this helps
block any cracks in seals) while she saves for a new engine/new car. A real bummer considering she bought it only a few months ago.
Now, I'm just wondering what kind of options she has in fixing the car.
Is it worth getting a reco D15B for it (Its a Dual Carby 16v 1.5 at the moment) - if so, how much is she looking at?
Or are there any better/cheaper/more reliable/easier to find alternatives
in replacing the engine.
Also, if any one has had similar problems like this one previously and has had
to swap their engine or had a different kind of solution please reply and let
me know.
ANYTHING will be helpful.
Cheers.
P.S. I know that she should have got a compression test performed before
she purchased the car - but she wanted it then and there. The problem has only manifested a few days after the dealers statutory warranty (3 month) expired so we've got buckleys chance of getting them to help.
who has just purchased a nice little 88 Civic Auto Hatch (only done
160,000kms) to find that it just might be running a little low on compression.
I say 'might be' because I've got no clue about cars, but the
RACV bloke who came and helped her start it (after she'd been
having a few starting problems with it) said that the reason these
cars play up (if not an electrical reason) is due to low compression
in the engine - something to do with oil rings or piston rings - he apparently
saw a puff of blue smoke and it then went away.
He suggested using thicker oil in the mean time (apparently, this helps
block any cracks in seals) while she saves for a new engine/new car. A real bummer considering she bought it only a few months ago.
Now, I'm just wondering what kind of options she has in fixing the car.
Is it worth getting a reco D15B for it (Its a Dual Carby 16v 1.5 at the moment) - if so, how much is she looking at?
Or are there any better/cheaper/more reliable/easier to find alternatives
in replacing the engine.
Also, if any one has had similar problems like this one previously and has had
to swap their engine or had a different kind of solution please reply and let
me know.
ANYTHING will be helpful.
Cheers.
P.S. I know that she should have got a compression test performed before
she purchased the car - but she wanted it then and there. The problem has only manifested a few days after the dealers statutory warranty (3 month) expired so we've got buckleys chance of getting them to help.