I just picked up a 92 pickup 4x4 3vze v6, for free, (217,000 miles) knowing that it is running on 4.5 cylinders. The most recent diagnosis from a shop from the previous owner shows 0 compression, on cylinder #3, and about 50% on cylinder 6. Do you guys think I am looking at burnt valves, or bad rings. The bottom end on the 3vze seems to be pretty tough, so Im hoping new heads will do the trick. I just got dont replacing the right head, and gaskets on my 94 4runner, so im up to the task, I am just wanting to see what I may be getting into. Ill have to admit that, for running on 4.5 cylinders, it still runs and drives pretty good. I would drive it till it died if I didnt have to smog the thing. Any info will be much appreciated.

 

Do a leakdown test to find the problem.

Or, put an ounce of oil in each of the bad cylinders and retest them.
If the compression goes up, it's the rings. If not, it's the valves.

 

dang beat me to it

 

Hey thanks guys sounds like the next step will be a leakdown test. One other point to note, I was just reading through the paperwork again, and it also says that cylinder 3( the one with 0 compression) has a stripped plug hole, and it notes that it is in danger of falling out, could this have anything to do with it? It seems logical, that if the plug is not fitting tightly, it would be tough to have compression?

 

Also could be the HG, or as tonetti says, the spark plug hole.

Sounds like you're on the right track.

 

Ya!, I I am pretty stoked about getting the truck for free, It actually runs and drives pretty great, I love the manual gearbox, it blows the autobox in my 4runner away. Im almost thinking that I may buy a new engine for the 4runner, and swap the 4runner engine into the truck.

 

Congradulation on a free toy.....any pics????