Please help- couple of weeks washed car motor and immediately had major motor problems. Dealership called they are not sure what is wrong with the car, they are sure that washing the motor could not cause compression problems in the cylinder. Basically, they want to pull the heads ($600) Monday (5/16/05) to see what is going on. I asked if there could be anything else wrong since pulling the heads is $600. They explained they had pulled the plugs and there was no compression in cylindar 1 therefore there must be a problem w/ the valves or pistons? I am so scared- they said to plan for around $3500 maybe more. I have a 1995 C220- I purchased it used and still owe money and this is my only vehicle. Could it be anything besides something that requires pulling the heads? I have been dealing w/ these guys for a couple of years and they seem honest, but 3500 seems like a lot of money. Also could compression be affected by the timing? thanks for any advice

you don't 'pull the heads' as a diagnostic step.

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89 300te 222,222
92 300e 190,000

I find it hard to belive that this is a MB dealership. A leakdown test needs to be performed before pulling heads. That will tell if you have bad valves rings etc. If they are not willing to do this first get the car out of there.

Yes VALVE timing can cause low compession. Ignition timing will have no effect on compression.

John Roncallo

You need to get a second opinion from the best independent shop you can find. This is all very fishy. It doesn't cost much to buy a compression tester - maybe $20 at Harbor Freight, and it isn't hard to do. It's the one way to actually know whether you have a compression problem. I'll bet you don't. Also, you gotta tell us how many miles on the car - 50k or 250k makes a difference.

Wow! what a coincidence.
I too have the same problem.

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'98 Lowered Integra with neon underbody lights

Was the car running when you washed the engine?

The car is 1995 c220 w/ 135,000 miles- the car was turned off when the motor was washed. Also, the technician said that the problem must be w/ my valves or piston, because a compression test was done by pulling out the spark plugs and each cylinder was checked w/ cylinder 1 having no compression. I really appreciate the advice- but there are no second opinions around and this is my only car. I don't want to make the mechanic angry, but I have a big problem w/ them doing something that cost $600 when they are not sure what is wrong. The way they explained it to me is that they have not dealt w/ a problem like this before and must pull the head off to rule out the valve or bent piston. Also, they are sure that the water was just a chance thing and has no association.

Washing the engine would not cause a compression loss.

With bad rings there would be SOME compression. Also the rings would not go bad suddenly.

The only thing that could cause NO compression would be a valve stuck open.

That's not too common.

Are you saying the engine was running fine when it was shut down for washing but then had problems immediately upon the next start?

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

There can be several reasons for losing compression in a cylinder.
Either there is no air coming in, of there is a (big) leak.
The first thing to do is to test with compressed air if and where it leaks, this is a very simple test. If the air goes to the bottom (carter) you have a hole in the piston (bad), If it goes to the exhaust (with the valves closed) the exhaust valve is burnt (less bad), if it comes out at the side or front the gasket is blown (even less bad).
Of course there are other possibilities, but they make a lot of noise.
For looking inside a cylinder you don’t have to pull the head, with a scope it is very easy to loo through a sparkplug hole.

The only reason this dealer can have to pull the head is to make sure you must stay with them and you are forced to pay whatever they charge you. Without a head you can’t drive and since you owe them $600 they can work the bill up from there.

So take your car out and find a independent shop. In general the price/quality can be measured by the amount of grease on the owners hands. Information about independent shops can be obtained by family, neighbours, people at gas stations, taxi’s, or anyone on the street driving an old car. If you make some work of it you can get a good picture of local car shops in a reasonable short time. A good independent shop gets it customers through other customers and not because of a Mercedes sign.

Are you saying the engine was running fine when it was shut down for washing but then had problems immediately upon the next start?

Immediately. Yes, the car was like a brand new car w/ no problems. Engine was turned off, motor washed, inside vaccumed, and then car would not start. After several attempts car finally started but gas had to be given continuously or car would die. Car's motor seemed to shake and car jumped but then would drive normally, but then start jumping and would die at stops.

While your car is being worked on RENT A CAR. Don't let them force you over a barrel to make a decision. Rent a car and take it somewhere else...

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71 220D 169K wrecked
83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed
91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K
84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K
79 300SD (partswagen)
86 420SEL partswagen
70 220d (partswagen)
68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now
85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired
93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car
83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K
69 250S newest project 54K

You have been warned by many members of this forum trying to prevent another instance of someone being taken for a ride. If you just roll over and accept what this mechanic tells you without contesting, then you deserve the high $$$ bill you will undoubtedly receive when the dust settles.

It is true that none of us on this forum have inspected or even seen your car, so we don't know all the facts, but something just doesn't seem right. Obviously you thought so too, since you are asking for our opinions. I say trust your instincts.

By obtaining another professional opinion, you may save yourself thousands. Fear of confrontation and failure to speak up will cost you big time.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I really appreciate all the advice- the mechanic called to say the valve was totally burnt and it would be around $3500 before tax. My head was okay. He took several pictures (I guess he thought he would need some proof). He said that it had nothing to do w/ the water. I am still so shocked how it happened immediately after washing the motor, but that there is no connection. Have a great day and thanks again. Angie

That IS interesting.

Usually a burned valve becomes evident more gradually, not abruptly like flipping a switch.

Thanks for the update.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

angel, i am finding difficult to understand as to why are you allowing yourself be held hostage by this dealership. call a tow truck and get you car into your place of liking.

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joel

Prayers bring forth enlightenment.