Subject: <VV> Head VS Engine Removal

[Mikeamauro@aol.com]

<Snip...Many of you have provided advise on what might be wrong with my 69 
110
Convertible that developed a miss while it was being driven...Snip>

At the risk of starting another brutal string about the pros & cons of leak 
down testing (vs removing a head, which will not tell you squat about ring 
condition), I use leak down testing, before removing a head, to determine if the 
poor compression is due to a valve problem; a ring/cylindar problem; or both.  
With valves closed on the offending cylinder, and shop air pressurizing the 
cylinder (about 100 psig), listen for air coming from the intake (intake valve 
leak), the exhaust (exhaust valve leak), or the oil fill spout (crankcase= ring 
leaks).  The only thing that gets a little diecy is if a head gasket is 
leaking- if so, air will not be coming from intake, exhaust, or the crankcase.  If 
you don't have an actual leakdown measurement device, you will need to compare 
the sound of "good" cylinders Vs "bad" cylinders.  More info here: 
http://www.autosite.com/garage/repairqa/ques057.asp   

Works for me, and that's all I'm gonna say....See ya!
Mike Mauro