Blown seals?
 

...and NO jokes about having burned lips either..

the 88 vert I just picked up that "only needed a starter" seems to have the apex seals blown...
replaced starter
installed new battery

the motor spins over REAL quick - as if there's no compression..

I'm ready to yank it out, but could I be mistaken in my shade-tree diagnosis?

too soon to say blown apex seals.

how long did the car sit?

seals
 

guy claims it sat for 6 months after it wouldn't start...
talked to my mechanic - says he had to forcibly (with a wrench?) rotate the motor before the starter would even spin it. he didn't say that there was any type of grinding or ... heck, i don't know - any indication that the seals *were* blown, just that it spins over reaaaaaly quick with the new starter and battery. paid extra for a 700 cold cranking amp battery - not that it would make that much of a difference...

I think you're right though - it's still too soon to tell since we haven't done anything else to the motor other than put in a starter and crank it over.... hasn't tried to diagnose the fuel delivery issue either...

not sure if I'm going to give up on it and let it go as a roller or not... just bought a spoiler and s5 tail lights...

wish I didn't like the car so dang much...

im betting the seals are just stuck. let something soak in the motor to free them up then check compression.

I think you're on to something - Been looking around on the 'net, seen many of these motors run with a blown rotor - I think you're right. I'll put my hands on it physically tomorrow to weed out the other possibilities. Gotta check fuel delivery / spark.. what do you suggest to put in the motor to free up the seals? ATF? Diesel fuel? Kerosine? Soap n water with a little borax?

anyhow - thanks for your replies - I'll post the results tomorrow..

I'm am almost done messing w/this car.....

pulled the plugs - BOTH front /rear fouled with rusty water... wonderful!