Someone just phoned, (turns out I did welsh lessons with them, I think you met them in Yorkshire Jan)....

they have a 2cv that according to the garage that serviced it has compressions of "60" on one side, 0 on the other.

Other "symptoms": sometimes smells hot; trouble hot starting; low on power lately; "puffing back through oil filler cap if cap opened when running"

a) Anyone know anyone in North Wales who could sort this type of thing?
b) any clues? Their mech reckons piston rings.


P.S. sorry to double post (on here and 2cvgb forum) but I never know who's on both or only one.

With those compression numbers I am surprised it will start at all. To have zero on one side is quite an achievement.
There are a whole host of things that it could be and the causes are also numerous but either way the engine will need to come out for a complete strip down or a replacement engine.

Louise,
I reckon that they'll be very lucky to get away with replacing only the piston rings, as that sounds more like a set of barrels and pistons on the shopping list, maybe even cylinder heads if their seatings have been eroded.

Might also be an idea to find a garage other than this one, since 'puffing back though oil filler cap' being described as a symptom is nonsense.

If or when that engine is recommissioned, getting the timing right would also be advisable...

ken.

Ooops sorry Ken I missed out that bit, they are expecting to change P+B's they phone 2cv-city (they got the car from them) and they suggested that as long as there was no bottom end knock that might be a solution.

id be tempted to point them south ( if stafford is south of current location)

had a similar customer with one of those cars and it pinked llike a bastard, the "northern" solution was to sell him a new carb and when that didnt work another one!

couldnt be the timing cause they had fitted DGnition and it was "set for life" "never needing done again"

lucky he was an old bike nut and once pointed to the right prognosis was able to sort it himself before terminal damage was done

trader who actually knows the cars worth every penny

Sean