I had my car serviced inc. cambelt @ ThreeArches recently. They noticed a bit of smoke on startup and mentioned it could be piston ring damage. My wife was behind my car before this and said the same.

Told me to check oil level & maybe to have a compression test.

Done a bit of a search, this takes about an hour to do?

Can anywhere do a compression test? Or is there any friendly mechanic local to me who can do this? Ideally don't want to drive to Cardiff and hang around for hours waiting if somebody more local can do this.

I think if there is damage it's in the very early stages as the smoke isn't particularly noticeable, but obviously worried about this as the car otherwise is in great condition, and drives brilliantly.

'56 Hawk WRX on 48k btw.

 

What? Your wife told you it maybe ring damage and advised q compression test, my wife wouldn't have a clue.

 

If you can make it to llanelli, let me know. Should be available most of Saturday.

 

Could try a crank test... basically turn the engine over with the fuel pump disabled so it won't start. Should sound even on all cylinders (e.g. Put-put-put-put rather than put-put-put-pat - difficult to describe the sound but easier to hear! ;o)

 

Can't do this weekend, but could next week as I'm off all week? How much would you charge? PM if you want?

 

I'll drop you a pm later this evening.

 

Ok nice one. Don't want to make it worse if it does have piston ring etc. damage. Want to keep this one for a good old while

 

Can't Three Arches do it Steve?

 

It's Ian? I am sure they could but they didn't seem too bothered, just told me to keep an eye on the oil level. Just wondered if I could have it checked less formally and maybe a bit cheaper as it's bugging me what it could be.

 

Sorry Ian. How could I forget ! redwards is a good man.

 

I know Ian! Cool

 

Rich did mine for me - a very good man

 

Cheers Rich - compression test done tonight and all good

So good news for a change - especially as I took my bike for its MOT today and rear suspension f***ed (money) and front disks (lots of money).

 

Good news sorry 'bout the bike though!!

 

Not a problem, it was nice meeting you. Apologies for delaying you while I tracked down my AWOL socket

I still get get over the cost of bike brakes!

 

Cheers Rally, and no probs Rich

Oh and yes pair of front disks £350 - not cheap. We moan about Subaru prices!!