Low Compression, thicker oil?

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mboszko - 24 Oct 2007 22:16 GMT

I have an old Saturn (1995 SL2) that's been diagnosed as having low
compression in one of the cylinders. I can't afford to have it
repaired right now, so I'm wondering if using a more viscous oil would
be helpful in having it limp along for a few more months. Any
recommendations? Thanks!

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John S. - 24 Oct 2007 22:21 GMT

> I have an old Saturn (1995 SL2) that's been diagnosed as having low
> compression in one of the cylinders. I can't afford to have it
> repaired right now, so I'm wondering if using a more viscous oil would
> be helpful in having it limp along for a few more months.

No, especially if it is a burned valve. If the engine runs reasonably
well but just has low compression I would continue driving it since
your choices are apparently limited.

>Any
> recommendations? Thanks!

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mboszko - 25 Oct 2007 12:49 GMT

> > I have an old Saturn (1995 SL2) that's been diagnosed as having low
> > compression in one of the cylinders. I can't afford to have it
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> >Any
> > recommendations? Thanks!

Define "reasonably well." it stumbles a lot, and I'm afraid one if
these times, it's just going to stop turning over. That's why I ask.
Thanks.

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John S. - 25 Oct 2007 14:08 GMT

> > > I have an old Saturn (1995 SL2) that's been diagnosed as having low
> > > compression in one of the cylinders. I can't afford to have it
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> these times, it's just going to stop turning over. That's why I ask.
> Thanks.

You may have other problems too. Until you are in a position to
correct the compression problem I would keep the less expensive
components in good condition. New air filter, plugs, oil and filter
change, etc.

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Steve W. - 25 Oct 2007 16:23 GMT

>>> I have an old Saturn (1995 SL2) that's been diagnosed as having low
>>> compression in one of the cylinders. I can't afford to have it
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>>> Any
>>> recommendations? Thanks!

Thicker oil is not going to magically alter the compression ratio. The
only way to repair it is to tear down and rebuild or replace the engine.
No cure in a bottle is going to make a difference.

Signature

Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York

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tylernt - 27 Oct 2007 04:25 GMT

> Thicker oil is not going to magically alter the compression ratio. The
> only way to repair it is to tear down and rebuild or replace the engine.
> No cure in a bottle is going to make a difference.

Well, if the problem is a stuck piston ring or two, it may be possible
to unstick them with something called SeaFoam. More info:

http://www.google.com/search?q=stuck+rings+%22sea+foam%22+OR+seafoam
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=stuck+rings+%22sea+foam%22+OR+seafoam&tab=wg

Never used it myself though. And otherwise I agree, don't waste your
money on snake oil.

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