Misfire, no compression in one of the valves

DRU DIXON

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA CELICA
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
278,800 MILES

When I was on the highway today I felt the power leave my car, she was straining on hills, the engine light was flickering, and the car seemed to be losing power. When I got off of my exit, the car wanted to stall and eventually did. I immediately had my car towed to a mechanic who thought that changing the spark-plugs would help, (it has in the past) but he said there was no compression in one of the valves. This car means a lot to me, so I don't mind having repair work done, but what confused me was that he said that the problem couldn't be pinpointed.

1 Reply

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

If your vehicle has lost compression it can only happen through bad piston rings, burnt or bent valves, head gasket, or a crack in either the cylinder head or the engine block. If you have a hole in your piston you could loose compression that way, but it is highly unlikely that this is the case. First off, check the oil and confirm that your vehicle's oil is where it should be on the dipstick. Also double check for any metal shavings in it. I have also included a few links down below for you to go to to test the compression in your vehicle's engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go through the guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros