When does an engine need rebuilt?

[tgs2101]

How do you know when an engine needs to be rebuilt?

My 1991 SL1, 1.9L SOHC, has about 225,000 miles on it. It is not running right now, but I feel that is because of a fuel delivery problem and/or electrical issue, as I have posted elsewhere.

Gas mileage was still good, but it does use some oil. Does the PSI compression test tell us much. All cylinders are around 160 psi. I don't know what it is supposed to be when the engine is like new, does anyone know?

This engine looks simple enough to rebuild, if I need to do it. I would like to do it for minimal parts, and whatever machine work has to be done; basically less than $500.00 if possible.

Has anyone been through this before?

Thanks

T. Smith

[sierrap615]

i have done the math and i don't think rebuilding on a $500 budget is impossible. the compression test is one of the best test of an engine's internals. the spec is 180PSI@ 10 strokes wet. the sound of a engine and the oil life are some basic factors.