Hi ya ll,

Ive tried searching for the common culprits when it comes to the 16 valves engines.

I bought a 1992 Sidekick 4 doors for $125 dollars. It has 156k miles on it.   Everything looks almost brand new,  I wouldve sworn it came from the dealer not too long ago.  It seems like the owner was taking really good care of it, I have all of the maintences reciepts (even oil changes).   According to the owner, it sat there in the garage for almost 2 years after a mechanic told him that the head gasket is about to go.  Replaced the battery, she fired right up.  Everything looked good.

It has a blown gasket, the exhaust was shooting out the white smokes and some steams were coming out of the back of the head.  Idles high when parked.  All of these symptoms fits.

But.... I did a compression test.  1 and 4 cylinders were over 150 and the 2, 3 were in its 30's. 

I didnt want to jump the gun, so I wanted to see what you guys had to say first. 

Im thinking maybe bad piston rings, but... 2 and 3?  same numbers?    Or bad valves?

Any inputs would be greatly appericated.   

Yep, it's either blown out between those two cylinders, or the heads warped or both. You can still have a good seal on 1&4

coolant could also be washing down the cylinder walls...this would give you reely low compression as well...ever try to test compression on a flooded or new motor?? there isnt usually crap for compression either...