'89 Nissan Stanza engine issue

[scotts90ranger]

I've got someone wanting me to work on their car but I'm not quite sure on the definite problem as I'm not familiar with Nissan 4 cylinders... It's a dual plug 4 cylinder

The engine puked some oil out of what looks to be the head gasket on the front side of the first cylinder. The engine starts up but has a mechanical tick, I suppose it could have been compression leaking out but not completely sure from what I heard. Next time I go to look at it I'll take my compression gage with me. I pulled the radiator cap and it was low on coolant, so blowing a head gasket wouldn't be unreasonable.

Anyone know these engines and know if blowing a head gasket is fatal on these things?

Thanks

 

[scotts90ranger]

no one has any ideas? I'm open...

I'm thinking of just ripping the head off, taking the Starrett straight edge from work to the head and making sure it's not warped or any other serious issues... after a compression check of course.

 

[AaronC47]

Nissan

If your hearing a mechanical tick are you sure its not just the valves needing adjusting ? I am assuming they are similar to Hondas and Acuras. Also I do know for a fact you cannot get a compression reading on a 1990 acura integra if the motor is not running. It has to get to operating temp, the head and block swell the little bit they do and then closes of the 3 (thin) layers of metal head gasket, otherwise you be hearing compression coming up from almost everywhere.