Just an update for you guys. The cylinder leak down tester showed up and was pretty much inconclusive. I have 170 lbs of compression in all 4 cylinders. Using the leak down tester with each cylinder at TDC - #1, #2 and #4 cylinders showed 20 - 25% leakage which is the low side of the tester gauge. The #3 cylinder showed 40% leakage - air could be heard at the dipstick only - suggesting rings. I removed the valve cover and inspected the valve stem seals through the springs and all are new rubber with a spring style seal at the top. No leakage was detected through the valves at the intake or exhaust.

This engine runs great with good power - it just smokes at idle and every stop sign and red light produces a cloud of smoke behind me. This afternoon, I was wondering around in Advance Auto Parts and found a bottle of Rislone compression restorer - it is supposed to free sticking rings and fill in scratches in the cylinders - what the heck - it's only $10.00 Results were almost immediate - the engine virtually quit smoking within 3 miles.

With the normal compression readings and engbldrs comment about a possible stuck oil ring - maybe I did have a stuck ring. I'll continue to monitor the smoking and oil usage - I may get lucky here !

If not, I'll rebuild the engine and order a new head in the spring.

Merry Christmas to all !!!!!!!