Low compression and much smoke

I have a 1978 Series 3 diesel. I have only owned it for 2 months and while it runs fairly well, I am trying to decide if I should rebuild the engine. When I bought it, the mechanic that inspected it for me said that compression was at about 60%. I am not very mechanically inclined, but I do understand that low compression ratios will affect performance. Currently, going up hills (which there are many of here in Costa Rica) is a slow and smokey process. Depending on the incline, 1st gear is often needed. Does anyone have advice for me regarding rebuilding the engine locally? What sort of benefits will I experience by doing so? Again, not much power on hills, max speed of 75kph on straightaway, smokey (maybe more than typical) and healthy appetite for oil.

Thanks.

best park it up ! before it parks its self ! and start considering an engine rebuild......

what i would do is source a decent replacement engine same model ie 10j diesel and then take my time rebuilding the smokey one while running the half decent one so you end up with the nesecary experience with these engines and all the time in the world to do it without the worry of it leaveing you stranded

johnny curt 1 said:

what i would do is source a decent replacement engine same model ie 10j diesel and then take my time rebuilding the smokey one while running the half decent one so you end up with the nesecary experience with these engines and all the time in the world to do it without the worry of it leaveing you stranded

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bloody hell john,thats a bit sensible for you aint it.
evening young diddycock.:smokin:

Thanks for the info. I guess what I would like to know is will a rebuilt engine provide more power (torque) and clean up the air behind the car as I am pressing on the accelerator. The smoke is dark, not light so I think this is typical of diesels, but it seems to be a bit more than others I have seen on the road. Also, I don't plan on doing any of this work myself, but before I invest money into this repair, I want to be sure it will be worth my money and time. thanks again.

mycrlandy said:

Thanks for the info. I guess what I would like to know is will a rebuilt engine provide more power (torque) and clean up the air behind the car as I am pressing on the accelerator. The smoke is dark, not light so I think this is typical of diesels, but it seems to be a bit more than others I have seen on the road. Also, I don't plan on doing any of this work myself, but before I invest money into this repair, I want to be sure it will be worth my money and time. thanks again.

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just make sure when you do the engine change fit new oil fuel and air filters and all should be fine if the engine has been rebuilt or reconditioned properly