Hi all. I own a 1993 geo metro 2dr hb with a 1.0L 3 cyl engine on a 5 speed manual transmission. So here's the story. Start it up cold runs just fine turn all the accessories on still runs not too bad. When it gets to operating temperature the engine runs not bad a little rough but could be worse and when i turn the lights, heater fan, wipers, step on the brakes etc it will almost die. I couldnt figure out where all my oil is going theres no leaks, i dont smell it burning when the car is running but i noticed a small puddle of oil underneath the air filter. I took the filter out and started the metro up and i noticed oil mysting out into the carb. I'm told this is blowby what would cause this?? i took it to a local mechanic and he started taking off spark plug wires while running. when he took off cyl #1 it would lag down abit but nothing major and when he would take off cyl #2 or 3 the car would die within about 3-5 seconds. whats wrong and what would i have to fix or get fixed? i'm guessing its something in the motor. i dont think its timing because he recently put a timing belt in about 15,000KM ago

#1 cylinder is where blowby is taking place. low compression. possibilities are either a problem in the valve train over cyl. #1 or else the rings are severely worn in #1. either way the cylinder head will have to come off.

Certified and tested crate engines with 40K miles on them are available from Japan at many places in the US. The one liter is availble for about $375 fob here out west in Washington. I don't think you will find a cheaper car to run and maintain.
doug