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Thread: Uneven and low compression Avenir engine from importer - Who has had this problem?

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Posts: 1-10 of 36
2014-07-02 14:52:11
#1
Uneven and low compression Avenir engine from importer - Who has had this problem?
I just got a W11 Avenir engine from a engine importer so I can get my 6 speed car back on the road. We have ordered from this company before and got a real clean engine last time. I verified with them on the compression before I ordered it and they said the engine was 180psi across all 4 cylinders. Last weekend we were going to start putting the car together and thought we should do a quick compression test since we have a compression gauge in the shop. It was really low and uneven between all cylinders. I thought I better make sure it's not the gauge so I rented one.... Same thing.. Exchanged the gauge and tried a different style compression gauge.

#1 = 135
#2 = 135
#3 = 150
#4 = 90

After that we sprayed WD40 in the cylinders and only gained about 5 psi.

I called the importer and they said they did do a dry/wet compression test and that the engines sit for quite awhile and maybe that's why. Then said he would talk to his boss and let me know what they were going to do about it. Got a email last night and they say if I ship it back they will refund. Only problem there is the shipping back would probably be 1/4 cost of the engine.

My question is has anyone had this happen and go ahead and run the engine and get better or more even compression afterwards? Please post your thoughts

Another guy has seen this here:
Compression test numbers on SR20DET - SR20 Forum
2014-07-02 17:04:23
#2
Put some oil in the cylinders and turn it over by had a few times, then recheck. I don't think WD40 is thick enough to do much. The 90 is the one that makes me nervous, the rest could be because it is cold. Really you have nothing to loose, put it in and start it up then recheck.
2014-07-02 19:41:32
#3
We went a little deeper and did a leakdown test on all 4 cylinders. #3 was the only cylinder that sealed well. #1,#2 were pretty bad leaking through the exhaust valves and #4 was horrible. I posted video of it. After that I decided to check under the valve cover. To be honest I have a 206k mile DE sitting in the garage that is cleaner. What I don't understand is the first engine they sent (Went into JamesJv0 car) was clean as a whistle. Another thing I double checked with them on their compression test and they said that it was 180PSI all 4 cylinders. Getting ready to call them armed with all of this info now.....


Cylinder #4 leakdown


Pictures of the engine head with no valve cover



Here is a picture of the head from the first engine they sent to us. It went in JamesJv0 car with a lowport head and is currently @ 365whp.
Edit: We did not clean the head or anything, it was this clean when it came in.

2014-07-02 19:43:05
#4
2014-07-02 19:45:23
#5
Which engine importer did you purchase this engine from?
2014-07-02 21:56:57
#6
+ 1
2014-07-02 23:32:02
#7
I'm not trying to make this company look bad. I'm Just trying to get a few opinions and thoughts about this situation and how to handle it. So far we have talked twice over the phone and it keeps coming down to me paying to ship this engine back for a full refund. He was talking about a discount on the next engine that I buy and he is checking the warehouse for another one. Hopefully the discount covers the shipping back... I am a little upset that my time and labor is wasted after double checking with them about the engine condition, but if they make good and get me another decent engine I can shake it off. Also the guy seems reasonable to this point and hasn't gone off on me. Once he looks over all of the information I sent to him today I think he will be more understanding. (Cross fingers) I also noticed that they have had 2 BBB complaints in the last 3 years.. Don't know if that's good or bad.

Anyway guys no flaming the company until we see an outcome.. Like I said the first engine I got from these guys was awesome, I'm just hoping they are a stand up company and do me right.

Ebay presence : naganousa

Nagano Inc
9115 Digital Drive #15
Manassas Park VA 20111

Customer Service
[email]info@naganousa.com[/email]

Toll Free:1-877-536-4848
Tel:703-361-4848
Fax:703-361-4488

Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM EST
2014-07-02 23:42:19
#8
Originally Posted by Y2KG20




Ebay presence : naganousa

Nagano Inc
9115 Digital Drive #15
Manassas Park VA 20111

Customer Service
[email]info@naganousa.com[/email]

Toll Free:1-877-536-4848
Tel:703-361-4848
Fax:703-361-4488

Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM EST



Never heard of them to be honest. But with how that looks inside and your testing, I just don't see how that thing can be 180 compression on all 4 cyl.. no way, no how!
2014-07-02 23:47:41
#9
All I can figure is that they mixed up engines or missed checking over this one.
Last edited by Y2KG20 on 2014-07-02 at 23-52-45.
2014-07-03 00:49:28
#10
i dont think cold has anything to do with it, tested plenty of cold engines that had been sitting a while an never seen a good one that had a low # in 1 or more cylinders..

i THINK when doing a leak down you can only do 2 cylinders at a time, maybe 3? i forget which ones.. when i was testing the engines we have on hand i found that if i didnt rotate the engine for a few of the cylinders it would show terrible leak down an u could hear air coming outta the exhaust valves... once rotated it would seal up tho.. giver a try if u didnt..
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