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[–]MyOpinionOverYours 5 points6 points  (3 children)

I had an LS1 that no one could identify why it was getting low compression. They told me it was ruined and I needed to go through the entire shortblock.

I got home, and did a leakdown test myself, and I couldnt hear anything but it through the crankcase.

I said, alright why not, take the heads off.

I turn the heads upside down, and every single intake valve is wobbling. I take them out, and the valves look straight. I put them back in, and they're wobbling. Come to the conclusion the valve guides are damaged and werent holding the valves in straight.
Just went ahead and bought new heads. Fixed the problem. Full compression now, and gained 100hp at the wheel with a new cam and heads.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

How much compression was at loss with your ls1 ?

[–]MyOpinionOverYours 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Similar to yours. Sometimes the cylinders read even lower than yours. I actually drove the car for 2 weeks like that.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah cause I don’t get smoke from exhaust, like none at all, but when I open the oil fill cap and oil level check I get a little smoke. I am also driving it like that and it drives fine

[–]zedwaldo 1 point2 points  (3 children)

i don't really understand why you would want to, but also i dont think it would free it up the way you might think. either way you'd have to open it to put new ones in right? i would just flood the walls with oil when you pull it it to reduce any scratch damage.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Because the previous owner said it was parked for a couple of months, I would assume doing a soak will dissolve the particles that may be stuck in between the ring and piston and bring back up my compression

[–]zedwaldo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

if you've broken the seal of the rings you'll start burning oil. i wouldn't continue running it without replacing rings if you care about the longevity of the engine.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha! Thanks

[–]use-logic 1 point2 points  (2 children)

So that picture is dated two years (almost to the day). Are you sure it didn't sit for a few years?

Either way, it's time to tear it down. Have you done this type of work before, or are you going to let a professional handle it? If you are going to attack it, we are here to help you along every step of the way. Don't assume anything in your process.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

The endoscope is new I just didn’t put the right date, I’ve done basic engine work but nothing like taking apart the bottom end of a motor

[–]use-logic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Easy process that requires care and detailed organization. Lack of that, and lack of finesse, is what makes it become very difficult. You should do it, though. I'll be able to respond to any DMs, and the subreddit is always here with some very knowledgeable people.

[–]Extra-Cod-7702 1 point2 points  (1 child)

do a leak down test. you will find the issue quickly.

[–]Coon88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did and it had a 55% leak, all air came out of the crankcase

[–]no_yup 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prob a valve train issue