Hi, I have a '94 Geo Metro (1l, 3cyl). It has about 190K miles with ONLY oil and filter changes. As far as I know the timing belt is even original :whistling: (i know, i know, i'm going to do it). The syncro's in first are going but the clutch still seems OK. I'm in the snow belt; the lower rocker panels are rusting out badly. I don't really care about the appearance (but i'm beginning to get water through the carpet) as I still get upper 40's mpg!! 
Last week, I checked compressions across the cylinders and with a warm engine they were: 120,115,125psi dry... 140,140,140psi "wet". I know this is low but they are consistent and even wet they max at 140psi. There is still enough power to cruse the highway at 75 (which i don't much). I was thinking of a quickie valve job with the timing belt change.
However, just yesterday I noticed foam in the coolant. The coolant was mostly water because of a slow leak which i think is the water pump (also original, and all coolant hoses feel ok). Oh, the oil is clear and the level is neither up nor down. It doesn't leak (much) nor burn oil (i have always used Mobil-1 and changed every 3K or three months).
So, my question is three part. First is it worth doing a quick valve job (regrind, seals, guides) on this motor??. Second, where could the oil be getting into the coolant?? Has anyone tried to get a body shop to cut away the rusting rocker panels and weld in say galvanized steel sheet metal (exact shape and appearance isn't important)??
I am quite able to pull the head, do a front end tune (timing belt w/ idler pulley, water pump, front crank seal, valve cover gasket and seals) and even change the gear oil (maybe reseal the oil pan).
I really need this car to hold together for another year or two if i baby it. (I'm in chapter 7 right now.)
My friend expects to drive this car on a 2500 mile trip next week. I need answers quick!
Thanks,
Red Sonja
Last week, I checked compressions across the cylinders and with a warm engine they were: 120,115,125psi dry... 140,140,140psi "wet". I know this is low but they are consistent and even wet they max at 140psi. There is still enough power to cruse the highway at 75 (which i don't much). I was thinking of a quickie valve job with the timing belt change.
However, just yesterday I noticed foam in the coolant. The coolant was mostly water because of a slow leak which i think is the water pump (also original, and all coolant hoses feel ok). Oh, the oil is clear and the level is neither up nor down. It doesn't leak (much) nor burn oil (i have always used Mobil-1 and changed every 3K or three months).
So, my question is three part. First is it worth doing a quick valve job (regrind, seals, guides) on this motor??. Second, where could the oil be getting into the coolant?? Has anyone tried to get a body shop to cut away the rusting rocker panels and weld in say galvanized steel sheet metal (exact shape and appearance isn't important)??
I am quite able to pull the head, do a front end tune (timing belt w/ idler pulley, water pump, front crank seal, valve cover gasket and seals) and even change the gear oil (maybe reseal the oil pan).
I really need this car to hold together for another year or two if i baby it. (I'm in chapter 7 right now.)
My friend expects to drive this car on a 2500 mile trip next week. I need answers quick!
Thanks,
Red Sonja
