[Vwdiesel] low compression

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

  Looks like two problems, since the compression wasn't anywhere close to
even.  Could be broken rings but it'd have to be about 3 of them.  I'd expect
first to be a blown head gasket with leaking valves and stuck rings tied for
second.
  I've done those quickie re-rings and I'd certainly spend the extra on
either
Total Seal rings or having your choice of rings modified by them.  Worn
cylinders make a problem for a lasting re-ring.  If you just clean the groves
and do new rings I'd expect 30K miles.  That's what I saw on 3 different
occasions.
  New pistons with rings and pins run from $250 to $350 for the set.
Here it was $11/hole to bore plus tanking the block.  You do that and
you'll want to do bearings, and the head, which you want to inspect
even on a cheap re-ring so you have a chance of it lasting.
     Loren