Amanda wrote:
> Hi all,
> The engine light on my 2002 honda accord just went on. I took it to
> the shop they replaced the spark plug but also said the compression
> was low on cylinder 1. They said it was at 100lbs and should be around
> 150 lbs. They said the check engine light might come back on for that.
> After two starts, the check engine light is back on. How concerned
> should I be? It misses while idle and when it goes into the 65-70 mph
> range. Whats the problem? Maybe a head gasket issue? Is it safe to
> drive? How much should it cost to get fixed.. I've also noticed
> slightly worse gas milage. Should that be a concern? The missing
> started after my last oil change, and 3 weeks later, the check engine
> light came on. Did the person who did my oil change potentially mess
> up my car?

three potential causes:

1. burnt valve. expensive.
2. blown gasket. expensive, but easy to differentiate from other symptoms.
3. worn or cracked rings. expensive.

bottom line, an oil test will tell you if it's a ring or valve/gasket,
and a look in the radiator when running will tell you if it's the gasket.

from here, you have two choices

1. get the repair work done. many labor hours and thus a huge cost.
four digits.

2. replace the engine with a used jdm import. three digits typically.

if it were my car, i'd look into the latter option. not because the old
engine can't be repaired, but because cheap and available low mileage
import engines make so much more sense.