After just 10K miles on my new 1.6 litre TD engine,
I find that it began running very rough, like on three cylinders.

        I loosened each injector in turn to ascertain that #3
cylinder was not firing.

        I checked the compression on that cylinder and found it
to be zero! I poured a few tablespoons of oil down the hole to
seal the rings better if they were badly worn, and checked the
compression again. Read only 20 pounds. Must be problem valve(s).

        I'm thinking that there must be a tiny piece of carbon
wedged between the seat and the valve, keeping it open just a
fraction of a millimeter, thus zero compression. Right? ? ?

        Is there an optical snake one can introduce via the
injector or glow plug hole, which could snake around and have a
look at the valves, and while it's at it nudge the offending
particle out of the way?

        Is the only alternative now to take off the head to
correct this minor but annoying difficulty?

        The beast does not burn any Delvac 1 synthetic oil,
nor is the coolant circuit pressured up nor does the coolant
level drop over time.

        Can a hydraulic lifter fail, and expand too much, thus
keeping the valve open a tad at all times? ?

        Annoyed at having to take off the hydraulic head after
just 10,000 miles.......

gary meek
alberta, canada

82 Vanagon TD
83 Quantum TD

    Still looking for Eurovan front clip.....anyone, anyone