<VV> Here we go again...

[D. Barry Ellison]

Although I know how they work, my execution must suck royally.  Not looking 
for sympathy, just expressing frustration to those who have BTDT.

Just installed a set of used jugs/pistons/rings (total seal) that came from 
a running car purchased from a race guy.  Had "only a few miles on them"  I 
checked them over before installation.  Looks like a valve seat let loose on 
all of them.

All was good for a while except for some pinging.  Fixed that finally by 
retarding timing.  She's only seen 93 octane.  Had an annoying oil leak 
since it's startup though.  Replaced the rear seal twice, tightened oil pan 
nuts, etc.  Starting blowing more oil the last few days.  Tracked it down to 
crank case pressure.  Cranked it with no breather - the vent tube looks like 
a smoke stack.  Put my finger on it for 3 secs, pulled it off, PFFFFsssssss. 
  (Yes, orifice is clear) Compression test left bank, 150,150,150, right 
bank, 120,150,50.  Yep, fifty.  Tested it twice.

Put my tools up and came inside for the night.  I'll test more when I feel 
like it, hopefully tonight.  Suspect broken ring, broken piston, etc.

Just can't get a break.  Makes a guy want to just give up and go back to 
CRX's.  Might not ever go back into another engine again.

Barry in SC
2 lates, 2 earlies, might just sale it all and be done with it.  My dad 
offered me $1500 for the lot and to be honest, it's tempting.  I told him 
for that I'd throw in all the tools, too.

<insert every expletive known to man including the ones in A Christmas 
Story>