Engine Rattle/Burning Oil/Running Cold
New the site, new to the '2, cut me a break if I sound wet behind the ears.
So my 1993 SW20 3SGE (non turbo) that I've had for 8 months recently started making some funny noises and I'm not sure what's up so I figured I'd consult the vast wealth of intelligence that is the internet.
Firstly, during acceleration the engine has a rattle that sounds like marbles being sucked up a vacuum, really not sure where it's coming from but it only happens when the car is in gear.
Secondly, the engine smells like its burning oil even after short trips (15 min), but it isn't leaking. Do I need to replace the valve cover?
Thirdly, the engine is always cold and only heats up after long drives. I've found that when it's cold outside the engine makes more noise, and the other day when it was 38 degrees outside the engine sounded beautiful. Thermostat gone? And if so, is that a hard job.
I also wanna add that I replaced the spark plugs and did a compression test and found that 3 cylinders were running at 170psi and the 4th was 195. I have no idea why one was so much higher.
Cheers for any help guys, would be much appreciated