Am I missing something

[fstfwd]

Ok here goes. We bought a 94' with the 3.2 that the owner said has a water or as he said a "steam" leak from under the intake. Runs like crap, and when I pulled the plug wires found oil on every one. Pulled the intake. Pressure checked the cooling system and found several hoses hissing. Tightened them and have it holding 15 pounds for an hour, then slowly over 5 hours goes to 8 pounds.
Next took a compression test and found number 3 to have 120# while the others have 175. So looks like time to pull the heads. In the process to remove the timing belt I notice it is new. So check the timing.....and find when the crank is on 0, and the belt marks line up with the back cover, the cam pulley marks are both 3 notches off. I've looked in the factory Ford service manual I've got and it says they should all be lined up.
So now comes the question, could this screw up the compression test? I'm thinking not on just one cylinder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I really don't want to pull the heads unless I absolutely have to.

 

[doclees]

Would make sense. You won't get full compression if the valve are open.

 

[92inPA]

Having both cam sprockets off by 3 notches would screw up the compression test for all cylinders equally. Reset the belt to proper timing and run the compression tests again. Are you testing with a cold engine, or hot? For accurate information, you really should test when the engine is at normal running temp (or reasonably close), not cold.

 

[93rev2sev]

They are off because tension was added to the belt after it was lined up. They are probably correct. but retiming it should be done because its so easy.

 

[93rev2sev]

Also, it might be a 3.0 belt.

 

[SHO M0nk3y]

Also, it might be a 3.0 belt.

If I remember right, the 3.0 and 3.2 have the same belt, but the difference is that the lower mark for the crank are a couple teeth apart. Any one have the teeth count between marks handy?? No point in replacing a good belt.

 

[93rev2sev]

Its off by one tooth

 

[fstfwd]

Figure I'll put the timing right, then do another compression test. Don't hold out much hope that it will change. Next will be the oil trick to see if it is the rings or the valves. Can't check it hot, intake is off. Being off 3 notches couldn't bend valves could it? These are a non interference fit engine?

 

[hawkeye18]

yes, it's a non-interference motor. And thank God for it! Now, throw some +40 cams in there and that changes a little...

 

[AREA 91]

yes, it's a non-interference motor. And thank God for it! Now, throw some +40 cams in there and that changes a little...

Tell me about it. I say a little prayer to the Gates God.