Is this a trick question?

Either rebuild it or replace it. Meanwhile stop trying to start it, you'll only ruin it further.

 

Oil in the radiator but no water?

Well - it could be as simple as a head gasket. But if the head gasket was blown and the engine was run for a significant amount of time, you could have a lot of other problems. From your description, it does sound like it was basically run into the ground after the head gasket went.

 

Thanks for the responses. Certainly there is a blown head gasket, but I'd think there would still be some compression, unless the valves are shot, or the rings. Oh boy. Is there a test to determine if the compression loss is via te rings or the via the valves?

HOP

 

Is there a test to determine if the compression loss is via te rings or the via the valves?

Do a 'Leak Down Test'. Google those words and you'll get more info.

Basically you use compressed air to pressurize the cylinder (via spark plug hole) with piston at TDC & valves closed. An official Leak Down Tester has 2 gauges and will meassure how well the cylinder holds pressure with the result given as a percentage.

If you just want to answer your question you can pressurize the cylinder (be careful - the engine can suddenly turn!) and then listen for escaping air. I use a plastic pipe thread/hose barb adapter and connect to my air hose with about 80psi. (The plastic pipe threads are close enough in size to screw into the spark plug hole and the plastic fitting won't damage the threads in the head.)

 

Regardless, the engine has serious problems. I would pull the cylinder head and have it inspected as well as pull the oil pan and inspect the bottom end of the engine. From your description, it doesn't sound good for that engine.

 

That is my suggestion to the owner too. Sometimes, it's nice to hear from other sources, such as the BBers. Particularly since this motor is Bosch, and I'm a SPICA guy.

Thanks to everyone,

HOP

 

Sure,

Put some motor oil in the spark plug hole before cranking. This will temporarily seal leaky rings, and give a higher compression reading. However, oil will not give a higher reading if the valve seal is bad.

Thanks for the responses. Certainly there is a blown head gasket, but I'd think there would still be some compression, unless the valves are shot, or the rings. Oh boy. Is there a test to determine if the compression loss is via te rings or the via the valves?

HOP

 

Thanks for the responses. Certainly there is a blown head gasket, but I'd think there would still be some compression, unless the valves are shot, or the rings. Oh boy. Is there a test to determine if the compression loss is via te rings or the via the valves?

HOP

If the head gasket is blown between #2 & #3 cylinders, nothing will help to make it show condition of the cylinders without a tear down & inspection. What is happening is that as #2 comes up on compression, the pressure is relieved into #3 and out which ever valve is open in #3. When it comes up on compression on #3, pressure is relieved through #2 and out which ever valve is open in #2. When a head gasket blows leaking compression between two cylinders, a tear down is the only way to check condition of the cylinders. If putting oil in the cylinders brings the compression up, it is the rings causing the problem and you will need to tear it down anyway. Bottom line, no matter what you do the only fix is to tear it down and see how much damage is done to the engine internals.

 

Yeah. I think it's a done deal. At least the head has to come out, and then you start the "while I'm in there" list of stuff to do. 113,000 miles? No oil?
Pull it out for a rebuild.

Thanks guys.

HOP