Hello,


I just purchased a 92 Saturn with a sohc 1.9. The guy I purchased it from said the timing chain broke and the valves were bent, so he purchased a used head from a junk yardand installed it with a new timing chain. I checked the compression on all cylinders. #1 has 0


#2 has 150, #3 has 165, and #4 has 0 also. I put oil in cylinders 1 & 4 and retested and there was no difference. I assume I have a valve issue, but I am not sure where to proceed from here? Does anyone have any suggestions? Could the timing chain be installed wrong? I do not have aservice manual yet. Please help.

As long as the timing chain is connected, you will have compression as long as the pistons are moving. You just won't have proper firing.


Does sound like a valve problem though. Could be a piston ring issue, but you should still have some kind of compression evenif the rings are broken, just really low compression that drops off right away. Not sure if the valves are adjustable, but if they are I would check the valve lash first to see if the valves are seating, this would give you zero compression (Haven't pulled the head on mine yet and I primarily work on classics). Ifthat doesn't work I wouldpull the head and check the valves for any debris that would be holding them open. Finally checkthepistons for damage from hitting the valves when the timing chain broke, perhaps the rings are broken.

I think Chief hit thenail on the head. Sounds like it may be an open valve. Wheather it's burnt, broken,bent, bad seat, or debris. We wish you luck in getting her repaired. Let us know what you find. Edited by: sw2cam

Chief................did you let the Ram out of the bag?

I got the head off and found that #1 and #4 intake valves are not seating, or are bent. I plan on buying a rebuilt head. Thanks for the help.

Sounds good fredo. Keep us updated on the repairs. Best of luck.

You got it man..............I hope you don't find anything else wrong.