Quick re-cap:
No trouble codes
Fuel pressure correct/regulator functioning
Timing correct/computer is controlling the timing
Line on balancer matches up #1 piston TDC
I also tested the EGR system. The valve holds 20in, does not bleed down. The engine vacuum source is fine (front of the throttle body). No codes on the EGR solenoid.
So, I went and bought a compression tester. Here are the results:
Driver side, front to back:
#1=195
#3=120
#5=190
#7=190
Passenger side, front to back:
#2=200
#4=190
#6=60
#8=190
#3 and #6 are low. I added a teaspoon of oil to #3 and # 6 and re-tested:
#3 - Went from 120-150
#6 - Went from 60-90
Only other notes:
The engine does not burn oil at all.
Very little blow by.
The oil does not smell like fuel.
If #3 is low, and #6 is just along for the ride, that probably explains the mpg decrease and the slight smell of fuel/stinky exhaust. I assume #6 is not igniting the mixture and #3 is just a partial ignition.
Only other information I can think of: We changed the valve stem oil seals a good while back, maybe one year/4000 miles ago. At that time, all the valve train appeared to be working, and I was getting good MPG/no stinky exhaust after the seal change. Before changing the seals, the engine would puff right off idle. But, even with the shot valve stem seals, it was getting good MPG, and would only smoke a little bit right off idle. It never burned enough oil to need adding a quart. All the valves were adjusted the same, but maybe I burnt some valves?
So, either heads, bottom end, both
