Low compression

[jimjumper]

Was given a 240D that had been started a few times using starting fluid. Compression is really low, as might be expected. Ive used it during the last 2 summers getting it started by using a block heater for about an hour to get it to starting temp. It has good power and not much blow by after its warm. Am I doing more damage continuing to use it? Or should I just run it till it won't start anymore or I get tired of it being slow starting and then rebuild it?

 

[clemsonfor]

If there is not a broken ring bouncing around in there or a piston slapping around with half a ring it's not doing anyting. I would keep running it till you can't get it started anymore. It's possible that the starting fluid didn't do anything and that it was just worn-out anyway. It doesn't always blow the heads, crack rings and blow holes in the Pistons, just does it more often than not.

 

[winston1]

Why prolong the inevitable?