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[Bee Jay]

I didn't make the WCC because of this sound coming from the engine compartment. It didn't get louder when we plugged the tailpipe. I ran a compression check this weekend. Cylinders 1,2 & 3 were 100lbs +- 5%, but number four was only 50lbs. OK, the head is either cracked or the head to piston seal is gone. There are only 4K miles on the engine since Wayne Dempsey, Tom Gould and I built it in 2000. There was a lot of debate at the time on whether or not to include the copper "head gasket" and the popular advice was to leave it out. Am I to regret that decision? My 3.0 motor isn't ready, I haven't even started tearing it down yet, so I guess I need to drop this 2.0 liter, and repair the head leak, if I want to drive it this summer.
Bee Jay
My car:
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p...2754&uid=598455

[Bee Jay]

Thanks for the O Ring Cap'n.
Now I got a major problem. I hooked everything up, and cranked the engine without sparkplugs, to get oil pressure. I heard a pop, and lots of acrid smoke. I opened the garage door, took a deep breath, and ran back in to disconnect the battery. When the smoke cleared, I looked under the car. The hot wire to the brand new alternator was totally melted, taking the wire harness from the alternator to the starter and fuse box with it. WTF? Could the new alternator be bad? I guess I'm lucky I got the battery disconnedted before the car burned down, I could hear the fuel pump working perfectly. But I am very frusterated right now. I gotta walk away from this car right now. I really wanted to drive it to Ventura next week, and I thought I was just a spark plug install from starting it. But, prolly the alternator at least has to come out. I have to work the rest of this week. I am pretty upset right now, but I'm wondering what I did wrong. I put everything back the way I took it apart. It's a brand new Bosch alternator I got from Tom and Wayne last time I was in LA. Cap'n if you see this give me a call, please.
Bee Jay