LOW compression Left side

[piecesnparts]

I have a 97 jeep grand cherokee 5.2L

The entire left side has a dry compression about 60psi wet about 105psi
The right side is up about 120psi

Runs ok, smell lots of gas. Miss fireing on the two rear left cyl.

Is my only option a new engine? Or is there a change it just needs a new head gasket?

 

[Tacoma]

Injector trouble? Broken cam?

more information needed

 

[jackjoh]

I would suspect the head first but does not explain why all four at once. Did this occure over a period of time or all at once? What is connected to just the left bank that is common?

 

[piecesnparts]

I have had the CEL on since I bought it a few years ago, the cat was acting plugged, so I removed it and put in a test fit pipe.

I was told by most that I needed to find why the cat was plugged. I had a random missfire so I changed the cap and roter (plug wires were about 15k old) and plugs.

I had to change the waterpump and I did the belt and thermostat while I was at it. this was caused by the bar holding the battery down comming loose and hitting the fan, causing the seal on the shaft to go.

Fuel pressure is steady even when I lay on the gas.

 

[piecesnparts]

I took it to hinkely and they said a new engine was my only option.

 

[piecesnparts]

I would suspect the head first but does not explain why all four at once. Did this occure over a period of time or all at once? What is connected to just the left bank that is common?

I dont know, it runs smooth, in the engine bay it sounds good, from behind you can hear it stumbling. I have been driving it for a while as is, I just got motivated to get rid of the CEL.

Temp is fine, and I am thinking oil pressure is too, Ill check that and get back.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Go talk to Rex at the Rad Jeeper.

 

[Toad]

Any good repair shop should be able to perform a leak down test and verify if you losing compresion from the valve or the rings. This is not the same as a compression test. The cylinders are compressed with air.

 

[Chevycrew]

agree with the CLT, it will tell you alot.

We used to use a smoke machine, it will go one step further and even tell you whats leaking.

Smoke out the crankcase would be rings or valve guides, smoke out the intake is intake valve, smoke out the exhaust is an exhaust valve.

 

[piecesnparts]

That sounds like hopeful news. Ill update when I know more.

 

[piecesnparts]

Talking with Brad at Rad Jeeper, we are leaning toward a timing chain kit. I am optimistically hopeful.