Why a car engine would have low Compression ?

Burned valve, damaged valve seat. scuffed cylinder wall, worn, broken or stuck piston rings in the low cylinder.

Again, why didn't you include how low is low?

Most case, it caused by worn cylinder ring or valve. Its normal. By worn ring or valve, the combustion chamber no longer tight, some pressure got release. That's what make a low compression, and follow by sight of thin white smoke at muffler even the engine got warm.

Worn or broken compression ring, burnt valve, worn cam lobes on that cylinder.

Since you said it's only on 1 cylinder that would rule out jumped timing belt.

I actually desire which you have used no longer something yet genuine HONDA COOLANT throughout this automobile. making use of the "green" stuff would have eaten holes into your cylinder head. it is an aluminum alloy it is vulnerable to the chemical substances contemporary in lots of coolants. there is not any commonplace COOLANT!! I even have considered many Honda cylinder heads that appear as if Swiss cheese simply by incorrect coolant utilization. you may get fortunate in case you detect somebody who's keen to re-torque your cylinder head, in accordance to the sequence and technique listed in Haynes manuals. this would straighten out the warped head and re-seal the gaskets. you're able to try this your self with in simple terms slightly of decision. in case you attempt this and it would not artwork, then you definately will ought to eliminate the pinnacle, have it wiped sparkling and gently resurfaced, except it is critically warped. to that end, it is going to must be heated in an oven and restored to it is unique shape. for sure, you will choose a head gasket set (equipment). Use purely genuine Honda cylinder head equipment and purely genuine Honda coolant. Use the internet to cost those issues out. you could as properly replace the timing belt and water pump immediately. in spite of everything this artwork, the engine ought to final yet another a hundred and fifty,000 miles. reliable good fortune!!

Take the valve cover off and see if the valve is opening properly and if the cam does not have a lobe wore off. If it is the cam lobe then fixing it is a little easier than the ring broke or head gasket. Otherwise you will have to take the head off to see.

Bad valve- cracked or burned. Burned or cracked piston or worn out or broken piston rings. Leaking head gasket. Valves not adjusted correctly or stuck.