the engine i have here is ill.
i think it may be a timing issue, however, before spending money on the job, i thought it would be wise to do a compression test.

ive had plus gas on it for a week or so now, and, today, cracked (but did not extract) 3-off the glow plugs.

the fourth (cylinder 3) wont turn.

i was just using a 3/8 small breaker, so its not like i was hanging off a scaffold bar or anything, but the others cracked fine.

so now im in a dilemma -

abandon the idea of doing a compression test all together
use the injectors instead (i have no replacement washers to hand)
keep at the glow plug, and hope its just the thread thats binding (ie something thats not going to snap when i use more force) and / or use some clever technique


one thing i noticed - it looks like its had a bit of a rocker cover gasket leak, so engine oil over the troublsome plug - might have stopped the plus gas seeping in?

wondering if i should just leave as is, and press on with belt change / timing

Is engine still runable?
If so take it out for a run then as soon as you get back have another go at the glow plug , they are torqued up quite tight but hopefully with the block warm it will shift.

yes. i took your advice and got it hot and its budged maybe a touch. ive put on a load more plus gas and will try some more tomorrow.

on further inspection, it was not a leak from the rocker cover, but from the injector above it.

when i couldnt get out the glow plug, i figured id take the readings from the injectors instead and the leaking one, of course, came out fine, but the others are stuck fast.
cant wiggle them with a spanner, cant move them with a slide hammer puller.

the single injector that came out, however, was a bit of a mess.

ill be sending it, and the others (when i get them out) for recon, along with the injection pump