I've determined that I have a loss of compression on #8 because of a problem in the head. So, I pulled the head and found that #8 has some stains on the cylinder wall. I suspect that this is where some coolant was allowed to enter the cylinder, but I do not know that. Does anyone know what this is and how big of an issue this staining is? When I drag a fingernail across it, it doesn't 'catch' on anything. When I run a finger across it I think i can feel a difference in texture, but it's so slight I;m not sure that it's not just my imagination.

 

Looks like surface rust to me, not a big deal.

I have changed a few head gaskets over the years and that's par for the course when one cylinder gets water in it. Honestly I just get the water out and run it with a little surface rust and never had ill effects. But if you are worried you could clean it off. I would use WD40, rags and a scotch brite pad (use the kitchen ones, they are non abrasive to the metal) though you could use other things to get it off.

 

As super said it looks like rust so it isn't a problem. What are your plans at this point? Are you just going to install new heads and slap it back together? Or are you going to be doing anything else to the engine while you have things torn down?

 

Thanks for the input, I'm feeling much better!

Right now I'm planning to put new heads on, put on a hughes plenum kit, replace the timing chain, and mod the keg. And I've got to do something with the cat too.