Hello,

My name is Shad Claiborne. I have a 1996 Chevy Corisca with a 6 cylinder engine. Recently, cylinder number 5 lost compression; I don't know what that means. Also, while driving on the freeway, a clear fluid started leaking to the bottom of the engine. I don't know where the source of the leak is from, however. While driving, it just stopped.

Can anyone help me? If so, thanks in advanced.

Shad Claiborne

 

If you're running the a/c the fluid is just water draining from the ac evaporator.

Loss of compression means when the piston comes up on that cylinder, something is preventing an air-tight condition that is necessary for the fuel/air mixture to be compressed.

Pretty cool video here:

http://www.gill.co.uk/products/digit.../6_4stroke.asp

You can hit the "Play" button and it shows each portion of the cycle one stroke a t a time.

Also a looping video here:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm

Question: How was this diagnosed?

Possible causes for complete loss of compression would be a stuck of burned valve, blown head gasket, or cracked head/block. Any other symptoms? Losing coolant, white smoke from exhaust, water in the oil?