Head Gasket or Rings 88TC

Our 88TC with 108,000 miles started running rough and with no power, (can't get over 25mph). It has never burnt oil, and there is no blue smoke. The Ford dealer checked the cylinder psi and noted #2 at 90 PSI (no other readings given) and stated "test further has blown head gasket/cracked head and significant blow-by." I plan to pull the cylinder head this weekend, but before I do, how can I tell either before or after I remove the head that maybe I have bad rings? Why is there "significant blow-by" but the car does not burn oil nor has blue exhaust smoke?

1. Spend a few bucks and get your own screw in type compression gauge, or borrow one.
2. Warm the engine up, pull the plugs and get your own readings. Do it per the instructions in this article. http://www.turbotbird.com/techinfo/Compr...n_Test.htm

Then do it again after adding a couple tablespoons of oil to each cylinder. If compression goes up significantly, then the problem is rings. if little or no improvement, then the problem is in the head/valves.

No offense but I would verify yourself, what someone else is telling you. Not saying it can't happen but rings usually last longer in these engines.
Also read th espark plugs, look for coolant in th eoil, look for oil in the coolant and when it is idling at operating temp, look for air bubbles in the coolant.
Let us know what you find.

Sounds like the timing belt jumped a tooth from here! Might be worth a check, next!
<.02
Mike C

>No offense but I would verify yourself, what someone else is telling you. Not saying it can't happen but rings usually last longer in these engines.<

Yes I agree 100% on verify, and my thoughts are that the rings should be okay.

I will check the timing before I tear anything out.

Thanks guys for your input and I will post my progress!