misfire on cylinder 4?

['95Newbie]

I have a 3.slow and have recenctley had problems (Bad idle, misfire) Any suggestions? If the compression is bad , what is the next step?

 

[mikedks]

You are getting ahead of yourself. Misfire and bad idle(dead miss) can be caused by a long list of items. And yes, the 3.0 does have head gasket issues that can cause a dead cylinder, but it's not a foregone conclusion. Do the compression test, look for the cylinder pressure to be between 140-170 lbs(I think that's close) for a healthy engine. Start there.

 

['95Newbie]

Help!! I really do love my Runner....but..

Okay, I can follow directions and have done some mechanical work. That being said I had two "mecanics" test the compression and the results are that I have a "dead" #4 cylinder. I do not know if they did a wet compression test. I am freaking out, I have owned this truck for 6 months and done nothing but try and figure out problems (rear window, noise/vibration under shifter). So the prognosis I received is "get a new engine".........If you can offer any help I would greatly appreciate it.