Poorly Chim

[Weeden1]

Hi

I would be grateful for some help please!

About a week ago I went to start the Chim but the battery was flat, so I changed it over for a fully charged one. On fitting the battery, the engine turned over ok and was sort of 'catching' but wouldn't start. Eventually, I think I flooded it so I called out the AA. After checking the usual (distributor cap, spark plugs etc) and re-assembling, the car eventually started but boy does it sound rough!!

It runs very poorly and there is a very loud clicking sound coming from the top of the No.8 cylinder that varies in speed with revs. A compression check revealed that the pressure in this cylinder was about 80psi (in all the others it was about 180psi). Prior to this, the engine was solid with no knocks or rattles. Any ideas please? Sticking hydraulic cam follower? Broken piston ring?

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Pete

[MikeTVR]

Possibly a sticking valve or broken valve spring. If the car has been left for some time the oil left in the valve guides can go a bit sticky. Oil type is important. Could also be a blown cylinder head gasket. Almost certainly going to need a head removing to investigate. Unfortunately it's quite a time consuming job.

Good Luck
Mike

[Chimjunkie]

Does sound like head gasket. Not the best side to remove either! May be worth taking head cover off 1st, plugs out and turn the engine over (fuel/ign disabled) and check the operation of the rockers. Worse part of changing the head gasket is removing the exhaust manifold.

[Weeden1]

Thanks to all for your replies. Unfortunately, taking the head off is beyond my capabilities, so it looks like I'll have to get it taken to a garage.

Thanks again

Pete