OK, this is probably compression, but assuming it isn't:
I removed the head on my 85 Tempo due to poor running (no-fire on #3). It is a 2.3 liter HSC CFI. On inspection, I found that the gasket on the intake manifold had been allowing coolant vapor into the #3 intake. Valve inspection revealed some wear and some deposits, with moderate pitting on all 4 exhaust valves.
I cleaned the valves and valve seats, and ground them just a bit. There were no signs of valve stem scoring or bending, or excessive wear (minute wobble when trying to wiggle them, but nothing major). By the way, this is a cast-iron head that showed no other signs of wear although I never had it magna-fluxed. After replacing the head and properly torquing all the head bolts, I find that the engine is now a no-start. I replaced the plug wires and the ignition coil, and am positive that the engine is receiving both good spark and fuel. One thing ( I don't think this caused a problem, but hey I could be wrong!) -- after torquing down the head, but before I replaced the rocker arm assemblies, I briefly checked the starter by turning the engine over 5 or 6 revs. I don't believe this caused any problem with engine rotation as the cam, lifters, etc are all in the block on this model. But as I said, I could be wrong.
I'm trying to save myself the cost of buying a compression tester if it isn't necessary. So if anyone has any ideas about what else could be causing this problem, I'd sure appreciate your input.
Thanks in advance!
Palmer
I removed the head on my 85 Tempo due to poor running (no-fire on #3). It is a 2.3 liter HSC CFI. On inspection, I found that the gasket on the intake manifold had been allowing coolant vapor into the #3 intake. Valve inspection revealed some wear and some deposits, with moderate pitting on all 4 exhaust valves.
I cleaned the valves and valve seats, and ground them just a bit. There were no signs of valve stem scoring or bending, or excessive wear (minute wobble when trying to wiggle them, but nothing major). By the way, this is a cast-iron head that showed no other signs of wear although I never had it magna-fluxed. After replacing the head and properly torquing all the head bolts, I find that the engine is now a no-start. I replaced the plug wires and the ignition coil, and am positive that the engine is receiving both good spark and fuel. One thing ( I don't think this caused a problem, but hey I could be wrong!) -- after torquing down the head, but before I replaced the rocker arm assemblies, I briefly checked the starter by turning the engine over 5 or 6 revs. I don't believe this caused any problem with engine rotation as the cam, lifters, etc are all in the block on this model. But as I said, I could be wrong.
I'm trying to save myself the cost of buying a compression tester if it isn't necessary. So if anyone has any ideas about what else could be causing this problem, I'd sure appreciate your input.
Thanks in advance!
Palmer