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i just did a compression test this morning and was wondering

Old 09-08-2004, 10:30 AM
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Default i just did a compression test this morning and was wondering

cyl # 1 142 cyl # 2 140
cyl # 3 145 cyl # 4 132
cyl # 5 140 cyl # 6 145

Anybody else ever do a compression test? Does this sound OK, I am wondering why #4 is lower than the rest and is 140ish the right ballpark.
Old 09-08-2004, 11:10 AM
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They seem fine, #4 is a bit low though hard to get to?
Try a shot of engine oil in the cylinder and try again, the oil will create a better seal, if the compression does not come up it could be a valve or head gasket?
Old 09-08-2004, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by PontiacDad
They seem fine, #4 is a bit low though hard to get to?
Try a shot of engine oil in the cylinder and try again, the oil will create a better seal, if the compression does not come up it could be a valve or head gasket?
and if it does, you just have some slightly worn rings.


not too shabby though. I put a junk yard head on my Shadow in an emergency, and the car didn't run to great... in the higher RPM'*, it would scream, but you could barely keep it running at idle. I did a compression check, and wouldn't you know it - 35 psi! yes, that'* right, I didn't forget the 1 there... it was amazing the little beasite even ran!
Old 09-08-2004, 01:38 PM
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Most importantly is that all cylinders are within 10% of each other. You can try the oil as mentioned above, and continue to monitor the situation, but in the meantime you have nothing to worry about.

Cheers,
Old 09-08-2004, 06:53 PM
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your compression is fine, yea one of your cylenders has lower compression, but its not that bad... i wouldnt worry about it
Old 09-08-2004, 11:25 PM
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Aren't our cars (Series I anyhow) supposed to have around 175-180 when new? I had a compression test done on Ol Blue last summer and she showed 165-170 across the board. When I get my plugs exchanged for the correct plugs I will get the tester out and check Goldmember'* compression.
Old 09-10-2004, 08:21 AM
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So is it supposed to be around 180 ? Im at 140 does that mean my engine is worn out?
Anybody have actual compression readings from your own cars?
Old 09-10-2004, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by marksssei
So is it supposed to be around 180 ? Im at 140 does that mean my engine is worn out?
Anybody have actual compression readings from your own cars?
any car will wear out a little bit over time. i'd be happy with the readings you have, because as it'* been pointed out - they're all w/in 10% of each other, so any wear that has occured has been pretty uniform. just a broken in engine, tis all
Old 09-10-2004, 11:35 AM
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The online GM Service Manual doesn't give a specific psi number as optimal, but it does say;

    I would guess 180 psi to be quite high.

    Cheers,
    Old 09-10-2004, 02:07 PM
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    Here'* a silly question:

    Are all of the plugs supposed to be out while testing compression??

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