Advice? 1973.5 Engine Work/Leakdown Test
 

I have a 1973.5 T with 185,000 miles. It has never had a top end job or any engine work. Records show regular oil changes. Until a few weeks ago, it was running fine. Now, upon deceleration (and especially when engine is "braking" on long down hill runs) it blows a lot of bluish smoke. Another big smoke cloud upon acceleration -- but then with steady running the smoke disappears. It also seems to be running much hotter than it used to.

From reading the threads, I am guessing I have a bad valve guide (or guides). With a car with this many miles on it, I may have other engine issues that should be dealt with. So, before I dig into either a) just replacing the guides, b) doing a top end rebuild, or c) doing an entire rebuild (ouch), I think I should have a leakdown and a compression test performed. I am hoping that these tests will help me pinpoint whether I have a bigger problem than just valve guides. For what it is worth, the prior owner's records show a compression test done at 125,000 miles with 130 lbs compression on all cylinders.

Does this make sense? If so, specifically what should I ask the shop to do? And, can anyone recommend a shop in the Southern Vermont/ Western Mass area to do a good leakdown and compression analysis?
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Brad Fawley

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