low compression #1 cylinder

[mentalQtip]

Hi guys. '77 fuel injected bus with 75lb compression on #1. Its putting out a bit of gray smoke at idle. The others are quite a bit higher. I was thinking either rings or a valve. The head has less than 20k since rebuilt by I believe AVP.
Is it possible/feasible to pull the head and cylinder with the engine still in the bus?
If so could someone kind of describe what I'd have to do to get it done?
I'm kinda in a time crunch as I'm supposed to drive up into the mountains pulling a light trailer and I'd like to prevent problems if I could.
I'm glad for any info offered.

Thanks

Joseph

[wildthings]

It is possible to pull the heads with the engine in place. Takes just as much time and effort as pulling the engine though and you don't get access to the clutch and crankshaft seal. Always tempting put seldom worth it.

[Marc]

Joseph, this isn't the kind of surgery I'd advise getting into if the schedule is tight - even if you've done this sort of work before, the potential pitfalls could easily make the project run into weeks (if not months) to finish at home. Perhaps you should consider renting a vehicle for this mission rather than push your luck.

http://type2.com/bartnik/engineout.htm

[ainokea]

You might try adjusting the valves then start and run the engine at 2000 to 2500 rpm for at least 20 or 30 minutes. Shut it down over nite, check the valve adjustment, run the engine til its warmed up then check the compression again. Even if you've got hydraulic lifters, which is what was installed in the 78 models, this procedure will in some instances improve your compression.

Ainokea

[mentalQtip]

Thanks guys. I've decided to make plans to pull the engine and look it over more thoroughly. It leaks quite a bit and needs more attention so later this winter or earlier I will go that route.

Thanks again