Rep Power: 0

2000 Civic VP. Was idling REALLY rough, like shaking. I had the plugs and wires etc etc changed but they told me the #3 cylinder has no compression.
That is way more money than I'm willing to put into a 16 year old car.
My question is, is this a car killer? How long does it have?

 
Rep Power: 210

Did they do a dry and wet compression test?
A leakdown test?

Either:
1) Compression ring issue
2) Valve(s) leaking
3) Head gasket

Has it been losing coolant or overheating?

 
Rep Power: 0

I don't know what kind of test it was. When they realized it was a valve problem they told me to take it somewhere else. The CEL check showed all 4 cylinders were misfiring. After I changed the plugs, wires, and cap & rotor I checked again and only cylinders 3 and 4 were misfiring.

No leaking or overheating at all. When I hit the gas it evens right out and drives great. It's only while I'm stopped in drive. Putting in park stops most of the shaking.

The car has also had a big evap leak for a while that i've been ignoring.

 
Rep Power: 209

what was their suggestion on how to remedy this issue?

 
Rep Power: 210

Valves can leak compression if they aren't sealing properly. If that's the case the cylinder head will need to be pulled and either a valve lapp (less expensive) or 3-angle valve job performed at a machine shop. The cylinder head will be cleaned and inspected for cracks and warpage. Good time to install new valve stem seals too. A new head gasket, intake manifold gasket, and possibly a few other gaskets may be needed. Depending on the machanis and machine shop used could cost between $700-$1000

Weather it's worth repairing is up to you.

Valve lapp vid:

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah, the guy I had look at it said to take it to a machine shop.
I only paid $500 for the car in the first place. I just want to know if ignoring the problem will eventually kill the car and if so, how long it has left.

 
Rep Power: 229

double check the ignition wires on 3 and 4 since those ones are still misfiring.

If you can get 4 smooth half the battle will be won.

Secondly you could try disconnecting the third cylinder injector harness plug and pull the spark plug (this will remove what compression is left and spark). This would stop that cylinder from misfiring and increase engine balance. (it will still through a misfire code, but really it will be a no fire).

You can do this on both cylinders as well. Obviously the fewer cylinders the fewer HP.


How to:

2 cylinders

3 cylinders