Today I picked up my 73 valiant from the shop. I had new shocks put on and asked if my carb could be tuned because it has been running rough. When I picked it up I was told that my carb was fine but my # 3 and 4 cylinders had low compression. The owner told me he could fix it for $1200. Does this sound reasonable? Should I contact the machine shop myself? Can I buy an other head and have it put on? If I go through with this what else should I upgrade while I have it pulled apart? Thanks for the input, I'm new to this. Sorry for the spacing I'm typing from my phone

I would try doing the regular valve adjustment. It is most likely long pass when it should have been done. After the valves are adjusted then I would do a compression test. This is assuming that it has had a tune up in the last 5,000 miles?

_________________
50 chrysler,54 Plymouth, 64 Valiant conv 4 speed, 66 Valiant V8 wagon, 70 Challenger R/T 440+6 conv 4 speed,80 Colt, 98 Neon ACR,84 Honda V45 Magna
Taking care of 57 300C conv,48 T&C conv. Missing my 67 GTX and 36 Ply coupe

Call him up and ask him what the compression numbers were...if he doesn't remember, you may want a second opinion...most good shops if they check some thing like that,will write that on your receipt/service ticket so it's documented...

You could easily attibute this to poor valve lash, distributor problems, etc...on a compression check the numbers will tell.

-D.Idiot

I will try the valve adjustment first and then have the compression rechecked. i will also ask for the compression numbers.
i have an other problem ive noticed. two days after picking it up i noticed charcoal close to the canister. i brushed it off and didnt think twice about. a day later while driving i heard a noise that sounded like i was driving over gavel. i looked under the hood and found charcoal everywhere. i disconected the canister and capped the carb. what do you guys think i should do? thanks for all the help