member in need, not diesel related...
 

Hello Jon How are you? Peter from connecticut..I wanted to get your opinion on a an engine problem I have an 02 chevy impala with 72000 miles and my mechanic is telling me that there in no compression in cylinder #6.. He wants to junk the engine and replace with used. I don't know what to do..What might be causing this to happen??? Mechanic does not want to open the engine and see what might be causing the problem??? Telling me its not worth it to fix...The main question is ...to fix or not to fix???

it's the 3.4l v6
I told him at a minimum i'd pull the even bank valve cover, and look and see if the rockers are moving.
could be simple dead lifter...

Cylinder leakdown test done?

did the leak down test already...

Where's it leaking? Rings or valves or into the coolant passages?

Leakdown test or compression test? If leakdown, where is compression escaping through? If heard through exhaust or intake, upper end. If coming out through the dipstick, lower end and perhaps a respectful burial.

Sorry.... i did not ask my mechanic where its leaking...if its lower end???

So if the leak is from the lower end is it good night Irene for this engine????????

This may be a case of find another mechanic. He wants to do an engine R&R without proper diagnosis. Also, matter of worth is for customer to decide - not the mechanic. The mechanic's job is to diagnose, lay out alternatives with price, implement per the customer's decision and warranty his work. Those that can't diagnose frequently can't implement correctly and stated warranty becomes meaningless.

Yes, begin with leakdown. Gives more information than compression.

If it's lower end I'd be surprised if it has lived a life with adequate oil change and proper oil level maint. Lower end may signal the end of the engine. Did this come on all of a sudden? I have seen upper end issues arise as the result of a busted exhaust valve spring causing the piston to smack the valve and bend it...shaaazaam. Total compression loss. Pulled the head, did a valve job with new springs. Problem solved. It was on a comparably formidable blue oval mill-the famed 3.0 2v iron duke of the Ford flavor.

X2 the consideration rests on what it's worth to you.

Yes this came on all of sudden...was running fine and then this........and yes the car had regular oil changes and was kept up.....I am going to take it to another mechanic for second opinion

After first of all arriving at the fact that is lower end ( I am skeptical as it has low miles for that engine, assuming it has been taken care of), we have to consider what lower end issue could cause no compression. Hole burned or knocked in the piston, broken compression rings, busted rod. All of which would have let you know in advance, based on sound (except for busted rings maybe). If cylinder wall is damaged severely, then yes. It then becomes an excellent boat anchor. What led up to this? Any noise?

First, I dont know if its the lower end, just assuming it might be because mechanic did not tell me.. was at a gas station and filled the tank and pulled away and then it just started knocking....and losing power

... any chance you accidentally put diesel in accidentally?

if not, water in the fuel could have blown the motor... but I doubt it.
before taking it to get a second opinion, ask the mechanic what the test revealed... ask him to justify needing a replacement motor.
then tell us, what he says.