Hi all,

I am working on a Rover 25 K-Series engine, when the car was brought into the garage it was pressurising from the oil filler cap (or rocker cover).

A compression test was carried out on the engine just to see what figures we were getting NO 1 cylinder:40psi, No2:55, No3: 35, No4:120 - Something was evidently very wrong with the engine.

With the k-series engine being notorious for a dodgy head gasket, we took off the head and found that it did require skimming and a new head gasket. Before fitting we checked the bores and pistons which were fine.

The proper head gasket was fitted, new stretch bolts were added and the engine was timed up.

Following build up the car refuses to start (even with a pull).

Another compression test was carried out - all figures were less than 50 psi (should be around 120 - 150psi).

A tablespoon full of oil was put into each cylinder, and a compression test was carried out - all results were above 120 psi. (you may be thinking what we were thinking - piston rings).

Before taking the engine out we looked at the problem in greater detail - and unfortunately found that the plastic oil level indicator fitted to the bottom of the dip stick has been melted off - Indicative of an engine which has been running in boiling oil (i.e a cooked engine).

Sorry for the long introduction - my question is:

Is it worth installing new piston rings into the engine to see if the compression returns, - the engine was running when we picked it up (albeit with very low compression), or once an engine has overheated is it useless?

I.e, I don't want to throw good money after bad, but on the other the other hand I am quite prepared to carry out the work if the engine may run again with no other problems

I would also be interested to hear from anyone who has fitted new rings to an overheated engine and found that it cured the problem.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Many Thanks,

Stephen Laughlin

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