I took my explorer to the mehanic the other day and asked him to do a diagnostic test to see what was wrong with my explorer because it was very sluggish. It turns out that when he did a compression test he found that the #5 cylinder was only holding 30 psi and the rest of them were holding 180 so he told me the cylinder is dead. He said it was either the valve or the piston. Now is there anything I can do to bring this cylinder back to life or do I need to buy a new engine?

If its the valve, replace and do a valve job.

This is not a prerequisite for a replacement engine,

Good luck.....

I dont know how to fix your problem but I just want to say it is good to see another New Mexican on here. Im from Albuq. Do you ever go 4 wheeling with your Explorer? If you do I will be sure to invite you to go with the Albuquerque group when we go somewhere.

Its very easy to tell whether its a valve problem or if its your rings, gasket, etc. If your mechanic cant tell, take it somewhere else, he doesnt know what hes doing.