2000 PAU runs rough and hard start

[crazyphil]

I guess that I will find out when I get it apart. Is there any tips or things to look out for when taking it apart?

[crazyphil]

I finally got around to getting the engine apart. I was able to get the head off and found that the head gasket was in good condition, no cracked pistons or head, no burned valves or stuck valves. I turned the engine before I took the head off and all of the valves moved up and down. I don't know what else to do or look for. Everything looks fine.

[crazyphil]

Now I have gotten a little farther into finding the problem. After talking to my brother about the whole situation, he suggested turning the head upside-down and pour some fuel into the combustion chamber to see if it leaks. So I poured some gas into the head and filled it up past the valves and spark plug and the gas leaked out pretty quick from the 1 and 3 cylinders through the exhaust valves and didn't leak anything on #5. My question is : would a leak in the exhaust valve like this cause it to only get 3psi on these cylinders? Or is there more to this story? Thanks for all of the help so far. It's very appreciated.

[HotZ28]

Take the heads to an automotive machine shop for a complete analysis. Without the valves removed, there is no way to know what the problem is. It could be burned or bent valves, or damaged valve seat. Visual inspection is mandatory.