I have a 97 Eclipse, TOTALLY stock. It started sputtering, and generally running rough, even at idle. It does burn some oil too.

I did a compression test (dry) and got 180's across all cylinders. If the numbers are this decent, am I right that I dont really need to do a wet compression test w/ by pouring a little oil in the cyl's?

The #3 spark plug has oil on it, and I am thinking that may be the cause of it running like poo. From the looks of things, the valve cover gasket is NOT leaking into the spark plug wells.

ANY SUGGESTIONS, or opinions on what may be the cause?

Leaky valve seals?

Thanks in advance! for the help

180 isn't that great, 170 is the limit for stock compression.

Just to make sure, did you do the compression test with the engine warm? throttle open? If so, then do a wet test.

Does your car ever put out smoke? At a stop after sitting for a while?

Originally posted by WickedESi
180 isn't that great, 170 is the limit for stock compression.

Pretty sure the lower service limit, per the FSM, is 100psi per cylinder.

I would still suspect the VC gasket set is the culprit. Especially if you have no smoke at idle. Smoke at idle that goes away at higher RPM is a sign of worn out valve seals from what I remember.

VFAQ says that Standard compression is 170-225psi, and a service limit of 100psi. I'd say you are golden ESPECIALLY if all the cylinders are even. Having all the cylinders very close to each other is more important than having that high 225psi in my opinion.

Originally posted by burntheblobs
VFAQ says that Standard compression is 170-225psi, and a service limit of 100psi. I'd say you are golden ESPECIALLY if all the cylinders are even. Having all the cylinders very close to each other is more important than having that high 225psi in my opinion.

Word.

Well the vc gasket was NOT sealed properly, BUT I fixed that. The car does still puff blue smoke outta the exhaust when its at idle, but just a little bit. It also smoked a bit (blue smoke) while driving too according to my brother and friend, as well as smelled like oil.

The compression test was done on a COLD motor. The car wasnt started for a month and a half before I did the compression test. When I did the test, I pulled the plugs and it was a DRY test.

I am pretty inpressed with the compression #'s, especially a dry test, and a car that has 117K.

No CEL's whatsoever. Car just idles and drives rough.

Any more suggestions?

Good plugs (NGK's) a set of decent plug wires (MSD's) and a new coil pack (stock is fine but I love my MSD since it's so nice)

Clean your TB and intake manifold with air intake cleaner or TB cleaner.

Replace your fuel filter.

If you have done all of the above with no success you can try also cleaning your fuel injectors. All of the above are great preventative maintenance.

One question for you. When was the last time the timing belt was replaced/inspected? It's possible for the belt to jump one tooth and still run pretty decent but Idle like sh!t and run rough.

-Kevin

Well I bought the engine from Corbin, and he said that the timing belt was replaced fairly recently, well within the service life of it. Anyone that knows Corbin will know that he is a really good guy, and wouldnt pull the wool over someones eyes.

I have MSD plugs and wires, and fresh plugs in it too.

Thanks.

Need more brainstorming please.