info needed plz

**the fisherman** · 22nd March 2011, 17:18

i have a vectra elite in my unit and well compression is down on number 2

do i replace the engine or is there a good mechanic who can sort this out for me?

my engine code is z18xe can i replace the engine with a different code engine?

**Big Dave** · 23rd March 2011, 02:17

Have you squirted a drop of oil down the bore to see if its the rings or valves that are lowering the result?

If the compression goes up then it's the rings at fault. If it stays the same then the valve(s) are leaking.

**the fisherman** · 23rd March 2011, 08:37

no not tried that but either way im still going to have to change the engine arnt i dave?

**nikroc** · 23rd March 2011, 08:58

dont seee why u wud have to change the engine..if its valves then head off and sort..rings,then head and barrells off and sort..

**the fisherman** · 23rd March 2011, 09:13

im in manchester and you no to get a guy to do this job is so hard,they say they dont like big jobs or they want 400 for the job,how much do you think it should cost

**nikroc** · 23rd March 2011, 09:21

have you tried the advice re the oil test?..and/or sought advice of someone you trust?..could you strip it down to save money?..

**markj23** · 23rd March 2011, 09:34

its a quite a lot of work either way but it will be easier to rework head or rings than mess around getting a new engine and swapping bits over and recoding them and then now knowing how good the new engine is. The price is the price however 400 sounds cheap for the ring repair and a new head gasket, should you get away with just the head rework its not far away providing your getting new water pump and belt or chain (not sure what you have) welcome to the world of retailing cars some times things go wrong and cost a few quid but you will be able to up price a bit as a lot of expensive bits will have been done

**Derek Mc** · 23rd March 2011, 09:44

Alec do the oil test as if it is valves only a head swap is an easier option or even re-cut the valve seats.

BUT, when you say comp is down what do you mean what readings are you getting as if the car is for "moving on" there may be other things to tryfirst as it sounds to me like gum deposits on the valve stems mate

**markj23** · 23rd March 2011, 10:35

does it run?
how bad does it smoke?
what colour is the smoke?
can you trade it just to clear your books?
lots more info needed

**the fisherman** · 23rd March 2011, 14:14

thanks guys,yes car runs great just got a little sputter on it

does anyone live close buy that can do this test for me?im hoping i only have to replace head but im no mecanic