Running on 2 cylinders

[GridSeeker]

Hey All, new member, my 1987 nissan Pickup is running on 2 cylinders, 1 and 2 are gone, should I scrap it and start again ?

Not sure where to go from here, how do i know if my pistons are good, If I machine the head is all well then.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks again.

[Desert Rat]

Sounds more like an ignition issue to me. Have you gone through everything? Have you got the plug wires hooked up on the right cylinders? (I know, it's a stupid question, but you never know...)

[GridSeeker]

Thanks rat,

i appreciate the response, confusing part is getting 6 different answers, answer this if you can, will a new head gasket take care of my compression issues??

Truck runs rough, but starts and is driveable, stalling issues when i come to a stop, thanks again

[Desert Rat]

If the old head gasket is blown, you'll lose compression because of it, but it's not the only thing that can cause compression loss. Worn out rings can cause the same thing. Typically, with worn piston rings, you'll burn some oil.

[GridSeeker]

Would a wet test confirm this?

[Desert Rat]

do a compression test. Did you replace the headgasket already?

Check the oil. Is it getting water in the oil (#1 sign of a bad headgasket). You can tell because water will bead up in the oil and show on the dipstick. In extreme cases, the oil will appear milky.

[NM50]

Actually the Z24 has a tendancy to blow between cylinders and just makes a knocking noise.