Low engine compression, or is it?

[Huw Powell]

> Per repair shop yesterday, the compression on my 4kq is 155psi(40psi
> leakdown) on the #1 and 120psi(20psi leakdown) on the rest.
> 
> They say I'll need a rebuild "before long" but could not really provide any
> elaboration, hoping you can.
> 
> Although these values are less than the normal range of 130-174, they are
> still above the minimum of 102 psi.  I guess I thought that this would be in
> the range for what you would expect after 165k miles, Or is major engine
> work really just around the corner?

um, you mention a bad head gasket?  Might be a good time to rebuild
another engine (like a 2.3 NF) on the side and swap it in.  Or just swap
the gasket.  These engines will run forever, even though they are a bit
worn.

> Should I crank until pressure stops going up, or just for a certain number
> of cranks?

both :-)

count the cranks, I think you'll see max pressure somewhere between
5-10, but do the same number on each cylinder.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/