Engine trouble, any ideas???

Question

I have a 1992 Camry and it has been a great car all these years. Over the last 7 years, it has leaked a little oil. But, I expected that on a high-mileage car.
Last year, it started to get worse, needing about a quart of oil every fill up. It has never burned any oil--it is definitely leaking. The weird thing is, it stops leaking after about a quart is out of it. Now, one of the cylinders has no compression. It still runs. But, I am just leaving it parked for now. Does anybody have any idea as to what it is?? I don't want to get rid of the car because it would be an awful waste.
Thanks.

Answer 1

i own a repair shop ,and there s a couple of reasons it may have lost its compression on one cylinder,and one is burnt valve,another is a bad head gasket,and also a tiny hole burnt in the piston its self,i don't blame you for not wanting rid of it,it probably is still a good car,but your going to have to at least pull the head off of it,and check the head and the piston and also the valves for that cylinder,if the engine ran good and that was the only thing wrong with it,it would probably be a good idea to repair that one if its not too far gone,and repair the oil leaks also while you was doing it,even a good used engine for it would be a good option if that one is too far gone,but you have a few options with it,as far as what to do,and the budget on it will run about the same on it as far as repairing that engine,or replacing it,there's not going to be that much difference ,so really its up to you,but you wont know anything on this one until it has been tore down and checked out really good,i hope this help,s you, it all sound complicated but its really not,good luck with it.

Answer 2

Well for one , it looks like the oil pan gasket has develop a leak and the oil is escaping under pressure around the joint of the oil-pan , that explains you lose the quart when is above the joint , it also could be the main bearing seals that are leaking ... now , is gray smoke coming out of the exhaust when running ? if is not then your piston rings are probably OK , now how do you know you lack compression in one of your cylinders ? , did you have it compression check at the mechanic? .... OK if you did do that , and is not smoking .. then you could have a chipped or a small hole on the plate of your exhaust valve , now when you had a low oil period it could have overheated and usually the exhaust valve take the most heat and brakes may occur , that would explain the lack of oil burn but no compression , so it seams you have two problems oil pan seal , obviously you are loosing oil from under the engine , and second most likely the exhaust valve if you are not smoking out of the tail pipe , you have to take it to a professional mechanic.

Answer 3

Well, if you wish to keep the vehicle, there here is my suggestion... if you have the knowledge and the means to pull the engine, pull it apart, and run a proper rebuild on it, then do so.
Since you already know one piston is lacking compression, you will need to inspect that cylinder and the valves for it, since you may have either broken rings, or a valve not sealing all the way, either which can give you a bad reading like that. There are a few other possibilities, but wont go there since they include things like a cracked head or broken wristpin. Jasper engines has a pretty good reputation for remanufactured motors and transmissions, so this may be a route for you if you find lots of damage internally. If not, then perhaps just a set of fresh rings and seals will be all you really need to get that engine purring along for another 50,000 miles or more.
Good luck.

Answer 4

Maybe you just think that it quits leaking because it doesn't make sense to stop on its own. Maybe the rings and valves are both gone. You say one cylinder has no compression, none at all,you would be blowing smoke. What are the others like? You say it would be a waste to get rid of it. Better than just having it sit and you keep plates on it and insurance.

Answer 5

I would say you eather broke a ring, or the gasket is blown inbetween one or more cyclenders
This will cause a oil leak untill about a quart of oil is gone, then stop
YOu will have to pull down the motor to check it out.

Answer 6

Your valve cover and/or head gasket might be leaking. Sometimes at the junkyard they will change the eninge (engine and labor might cost about 800).

Answer 7

No compression.... could be a bad valve, not closing or it is burned or carbon buildup..... I would take the head off and get the valves refaced and the seats too.