Just bought a 1985 Bronco and found out yesterday that #1 cylinder is only showing 50 psi. Looking like $2100 or more to fix, wondering if we should look new engine to drop in (anyone selling one) or rebuild this one. It came from Arizona the guy we bought it from said it was running great...not so much.

Just looking for advice from Ford people

 

Hi Tammy,
Welcome to the forums.

Since this is engine related (and not specifically Bronco related) you might also want to post your question in the dedicated 300 inline six cylinder forum.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum52

My first question is what the $2100 is for.
Is that what a mechanic is charging to fix the cylinder? What does that all include? What is being fixed (ie. what is causing the compression loss)?
Need some more info on what's going on to give you a better analysis.

If it's just a leaking valve in the cylinder head (which can cause low compression), they're way overcharging. But if it's because of bad rings, etc. they're probably doing a partial rebuild anyway since they have to bore out the cylinders and put in new pistons/rings.

Otherwise, you might get quotes from local mechanics as to what they would charge to do a full rebuild since you can work directly with them. Or what kinds of prices they can get on rebuilt ones to swap in.