Valve seat problems might be caused by low octane or methanol. I have a couple of places that sell premium 93 octane fuel without ethanol. I have to have it for lawn equipment and snowblowers and I use it in all my vehicles. My owners manual says to use 91 octane and it can use up to 10% ethanol. Many places have 15 or 20% ethanol with 89 octane. I feel it makes a difference in power and adds about 40 miles to a tankful.

 

Since the compression test did not improve after adding oil.. Then we have to consider the valves & or seats as ChevyMgr pointed out.

 

I want to thank all of you for responding to my call for help. I will replace the cylinder head which should bring the compression back to original specs. I would like to also add some power, any ideas. I think I read on here af someone who does reprogramming?

 

Please let us know for sure if a "valve seat" has come loose.. Inquiring minds need to know..

A "Leak-Down test" is always a great test for further diagnosis..

Tune is best bang for buck imo: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/deleted-threads-41/new-chwtunecenter-site-26929/

 

Yes I will do a leak down before tearing into it. And yes I will post what I find. Oh, thanks for the link.

 

Good luck with everything !!

 

I know this is a very old thread but I have been experiencing the issues and am thinking of a new head as well. Has anyone else had the problem and is the head replacement been the fix?

 

I would think it would be a lot cheaper to do a valve job to your head unless the head is damaged.

Are you having low compression problems?

 

Yes, in cyl 1as well. My issue is time and I have over 123k on a 2010. In the long run I wonder if the head replacement would be more cost effective

 

Unless you find a new head which I'm sure would be pricy you would be looking at rebuilt heads anyway.

If you find a good shop in you area to do the work on your head it may turn out better than a high volume rebuild shop using parts from multiple cyl heads to make one good one.