my metro is weak on power

[Powertools17]

I have a 1995 1.0 Geo Metro with a 5 speed and about 160,000 miles, this car is has very little power, alot less then our other metro, i have to floor it just to keep up with speed limits. it also backfires, gets poor gas milage, burns up oil, and emits alot of exhaust smoke when i start it when its cold. we thought it was bad fuel because it had sat at a dealership for 5 months, but we have added alot of isopropyl and fresh fuel and it still runs crappy. i have put in new spark plugs, air filter, oil, fuel filter, distributor cap and rotor, and it hasnt helped at all. im thinking that this engine is low on compression and has worn piston rings. can anyone help?

[SeanMurphy]

Try a compression test. It should build up 180psi per cylinder and hold it with no bleedback. If it's smoking and losing power, it sounds to me like bad rings. My 88 firefly used to almost fill the parking lot with blue smoke towards the end of it's life. I quietly tipped it into a ditch and moved on to my new one.

[Powertools17]

ok, anything else i should know? and what about those oil additives that are supposed help restore compression, like the one from Lucus Oil Products, and that one Restore, do they work or not?

[SeanMurphy]

If they do anything, it will be a very temporary fix. If metal or rubber is worn, no amount of miracle juice is going to rebuild it. It could be something as simple as a clogged PCV valve. That can cause oil burning and other symptoms as it would cause excessive pressure in the crankcase. I'd suggest replacing that. Its a cheap fix, and if it still does it, take it somewhere for a compression test.

[Powertools17]

ok thanks, i was thinking about replacing the pcv valve because i heard they get build up on them often. Where is the PCV valve? is it on the carb?

[SeanMurphy]

look at the top of your crankcase.. there should be a forked, short rubber hose coming off it and going to the air cleaner and down to the block.. that hose goes to the pcv valve. Make sure the hose itself isn't plugged, too.

[Powertools17]

thanks for the help, i replaced the pcv valve but my car still burns oil and runs bad.

[chembrad]

160k isn't bad for these little engines. It might be time for a rebuild.

I plan on getting a JDM (low mileage engine from Japan) to swap out. Then I will rebuild my old engine and keep it for a spare.