coupelex

I'm considering buying a 2001 RX with low compression in one cylinder. The owner says it reads 60psi and the rings are probably bad. What should the pressure be at normally?

What's a good approach to fixing this? What type of price range am I looking at, even if I have to install a used motor?

Thanks!

LeX2K

Cost will vary greatly. Before you consider this source a replacement engine first or get a firm price on rebuilding the engine in the car.

coupelex

Wow that's a helpful graphic! So 60 psi is really low!

The seller says it's cylinder 2.

Is replacing the engine actually easier than doing a ring job?

LeX2K

Yes by far. Repairing the engine is the same as doing an engine swap plus the additional work to strip the engine down and repair. 60psi is very low could be bad rings due to lack of maintenance (sludge) burnt valves, combination, damaged cylinder wall. Bad head gasket.

coupelex

Thanks, that's kind of what I thought. The only reason I'm considering this RX is that it's 1500. Maybe it's just not worth the hassle, I'd have to find a shop to do it anyway.

Margate330

Hi Couplex, I'm not trying to talk you out of anything but when I was a young man trying to save money I bought a few "fix er uppers".

They always costed me more in the long run and it was never worth the time, money, and aggrevation.

I will never forget buying a car that needed a head gasket and all I could think about was how much money I was saving.
After all the time and work the car was never right and I way under estimated what else the car needed because I was so focused on thinking what a deal I got. lol

If you are a mechanic by trade it may be woth it to you but if not I personally will pass unless the car is low mileage and CHERRY!

coupelex

This has been my experience many times as well! It just costs less to pay more for something that was maintained and cared for!

rooster1

unless you can get the car $500 don't do it

Margate330

Some times it's just best to pass and walk away. lol

Felix

Cheap doesn't mean good......A used engine w/ no history, yeah they'll possibly replace it, but then your stuck doing the job or paying to have done a 2nd time....A reman long block & then you'll have to think how long the trans would last. Possibly a 2nd gen rx 5-spd, IDK what that'd entail thou.......I'd also look at other rx's to get a idea.........