engine running on 3 cylinders

[b4v]

Hello all I am new here ..well not so new just been away for a while.
My 440 1.8i 1995 is running on 3 cylinders
I have replaced the spark plugs ,the HT cables,checked all the vacuum pipes but after going to a garage and confirming what I knew cylinder 4 had no compression I am now at a loss.
Perhaps someone could advise me first is it dangerous to keep driving the car in this condition(if so thats bad as we have been driving the car for about 2000Kliks like this)
What can I do aprt from opening up the engine??
any help most appreciated
cheers

[Clan]

It is most likely a valve burnt , when did you last check the valve clearances?

[b4v]

Hello Clan
thanks for your reply and to answer your question I have not ever checked the valve clearances.I am ok with normal routine maintenance but that is as far as it goes.
Do you think that it is dangerous to continue to drive this car in this state???
Plus currently searching for an other volvo as I think the cost of the repar is greater than the value of the car sad to say.
I have spent quite a bit on this car to date with new hand breaks callipers cables etc,new distributor , cables, new dynamo.New front breaks(well the pads) and others that I fail to remember as it is painfull(being Scottish)to recollect.
But thanks again for your input much appreciated

[Clan]

you may find it is just tight valve clearance but if you have been driving it lobg like this it will then burn the valve .. It seems crazy to scrap a good car you have spend money on getting right , its not a bad job to fit a new valve ...
Good luck

[b4v]

OK many thanks will have a look at it then
cheers