OK, so I have just had a head skim etc, new gaskets. Put it all back together, done a comp test: 50psi, 150psi, 150psi, 150psi.

Obviously the cylinder or rings are fucked on number one.

I am beyond angry now

So, looks like I better just get myself another 1.8 zetec bottom end. Question is, which to get, do they differ too much? Do oil ways need blocking? Engineer shop job?

I need help, and fast, before I torch this fucker on the drive.

I would like a simple and concise answer on what to do next as its been 2 months now and I havent even driven the car, starting to lose faith, and just want it on the road

 

have you checked to make sure that the problem is not a valve sticking open/ not seating right

 

As above, have you ran it yet, or just checked the compressions before starting it?

 

It refuses to fire up. It looks like I have spark, so maybe the timing is out, but am sure I have it right. I am just getting so fucked off with not having it running now

 

With only one cylinder low on compression i'd still expect it to start.

 

I must have the timing out then.

 

Torch it on the drive haha thats comedy

 

is this a zvh or full zetec turbo

 

I had compression readings of 80 130 130 140 I think.
Thought it was fooked but after runnIng it, found out it was sticky valve.
Don't lose the faith yet.
Put the lighter down

 

My mate had a look at my build pics, seems the thread on the inlet valve rocker is higher than the rest. That could be the issue

 

OK, so was my stupid fault. I hadnt drained the lifters before putting them in.

Inlet on cyl 1 was held open a little.

All sorted and running now. Cant wait to get it booked in somewhere for a set up

 

well done phil, glad it were nowt serious.

 

Glad you got it running

 

nice to here it's running, glad you didn't simply pull it apart straight away and found it to be a simple fix

 

You/We

Cant believe that metering flap too. Flaps are NEVER sticky when I am near them