I'd save the time and just have them tested. If they are fine, you won't need to soak it or anything. If not, they will have to disassemble it anyways so the soak is not necessary.

You could save some money and instead of MMO, use diesel fuel or kerosene. That's about all that MMO is anyway as far as the solvent portion of it goes. From smelling it and feeling of it, I think it's nothing more than kerosene with a little oil of some kind.

Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately I think the lifting of the head will be unavoidable d/t the low compression of the fifth cylinder. I'll just take it as it comes.
I hope my scenario is the same as Aklim and his gasser car. Cleaning sounds better than repairing physical damage!
I might post the findings in a few days.
Frankie

Barry-
No he has not pinpointed the valve for certain and I will ask about the vavle clearance. I am a pain in his a--- with all my questions. He has gone as far as doing the compression test on #4 and #5.
#4 result is 500 = too high= carbon build up. Does this happen with diesel fueluse at all? I know that it is common when unheated WVO is used.
I've no problems at all starting her up until a couple of days ago she hesitates for about 2 seconds then starts up fine but with a rough idle. I'm sure this is related to the cylinder.

if the test was done cold that might be ok. what were the other cylinders? it is low for sure but i think the minimum is about 220 cold for starting. if the others are above that i would think you might be ok. iow i wouldnt pull the head just yet.

tom w

Ok I'll follow your lead. I'll get all the injectors tested for pressure and spray pattern then post results and what the mechanic suggests. I prefer a conservative approach anyways.
Stay tuned.

There is a diesel injector shop in south san francisco, ill PM you the info on the shop if you want me too.

I would consider checking the valve clearances yourself if the mechanic has not checked them. Just because it should be done every 15 k and with labour rates being what they are today for starters. Also it is a pretty easy thing to do really and very hard to go wrong if you follow posted instructions. For right now you have to basically just check #5 to make sure there is some clearance. If you are in a position where you have to pay others to do everything on these cars for you they can be a moneypit. On the otherhand they are one of the few cars left out there where the owner can learn and accomplish things himself. The support available from this site makes the situation bearable and improves both your ability and judgement.

Check your valve clearances before you pull the head!

Run some biodiesel (High percentages) for a few tanks. It may help loosen the carbon buildup on the rings that is keeping them from moving and sealing properly. Cold WVO is the death of the rings. It cokes the rings and causes them to bind in place. When they do that they are not free to move and seal against the cylinder wall.

-Jim

These are great suggestions and I'm not financially ready for my mechanic to pull the head. I want to try to run B50% or higher to see if that will clean it out however my is convinced that there is some type of physical damage to the upper engine or possibly the piston/ rings. Therefore he must pull the head. He was not too keen on my conservative approach to the situation. If I run a few tanks of biodiesel,I'm worried that if the is physical damage already present, won't driving the car further damage it?
Damn I really wish there was someway of knowing for sure, physical damage without needing to pull off the engine head!

It is a gamble. It might work or it might not. I guess you need to ask yourself if you are willing AND able to take the risk.

Know anyone with a borescope?

And what is a borescope? Or are you saying that you are bored??
I won't deny that this is not an easy decision. Brightside, I have all the time in the world to figure out what to do next.

I'm worried that if I drive the car further, waiting for the biodiesel to loosen up the carbon build up, it will damage something else in the same cylinder.
Logical or irrational concern?