Posted by Bob N. on June 28, 2001 at 15:28:01:
A sad story, hopefully with a happy ending. My '81 528i (Homer), went with me to a buddys for a check up today. Finally decided to check compression, to see if I should continue to invest in the E12 to which I have grown very fond. Has about 130K miles, stock, and in reasonable shape, runs well but not a lot of pep.
Compression test results as follows:
100 120 70 125 115 140 (1 to 6)
Shot in some oil with following results:
120 135 105 155 160 165
As I have minimal mechanical expertise, (just pulled first head a couple weeks ago, off my 66 Mustang (Bart), with a lot of help), was hoping that valve job would be all that was needed to bring Homer back to a youthful existance. Results seem to indicate ring issues especially #3. Plugs were not too bad. Cleaned them up and reassembled, limped home with wounded pride.
A rebuilt engine at the $3000 price point doesn't seem to make any sense. As this board is a major source of info, a confidence builder and stress relief hobby, thought I would consult with the experts on how to extend E12 life expectancy at a reasonable price point.
Hopefully you specialists can provide a ray of hope as Homer in one of very few left roaming the midwest.
Thanks for all the past advice.
Bob