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Old 01-26-2018, 01:39 PM
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Coopduc
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Default Compression test results

I’m looking at buying a used 1999 3.4 engine with about 45k miles. I asked the owner for compression and leak down test results. Here is what I received:
1. 135 / 4%
2. 130 / 4%
3. 130 / 6%
4. 150 / 2%
5. 140 / 6%
6. 150 / 4%

Leakdown numbers look ok to me, but compression values look low, particularly in bank 1. I was expecting numbers in the 175 range.
Comments welcome.
Old 01-26-2018, 03:05 PM
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RngTrtl
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CR * 14.7 = 11.3 * 14.7 = 166 psi in a perfect world just for reference.
Old 01-26-2018, 03:40 PM
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Mike Murphy
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From what I’ve read, compression PSI figurescan have a lot of factors that cause variables and are not necessarily accurate or always provide much value, unless you see something like 50psi. I would be way more comcerned if leakdown was bad.
Old 01-26-2018, 04:03 PM
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Dr_Strangelove
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Rule of thumb for compression tests is you want to have < 10% variance between cylinders. You're getting just a bit more than that on #'s 2 and 3.
Old 01-26-2018, 04:39 PM
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Flat6 Innovations
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The shop didn't lock the throttle plate open during the compression test. The test was crippled by a lack of chamber filling due to this.

I can look at the values, and see that the highs and lows are classic examples of the intake characteristics, and how they effect chamber filling with a closed throttle plate. Cylinder 1 always has the lowest compression on these tests when the throttle plate is closed.

Air that doesn't enter the chamber on the intake stroke, can't be compressed.

It amazes me what shops don't know about the basics of engine operation. (well, actually it doesn't these days)
Old 01-26-2018, 05:11 PM
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Coopduc
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Good observation. Thank you
Old 01-26-2018, 05:34 PM
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Woodman71
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Originally Posted by Flat6 Innovations
The shop didn't lock the throttle plate open during the compression test. The test was crippled by a lack of chamber filling due to this.

I can look at the values, and see that the highs and lows are classic examples of the intake characteristics, and how they effect chamber filling with a closed throttle plate. Cylinder 1 always has the lowest compression on these tests when the throttle plate is closed.

Air that doesn't enter the chamber on the intake stroke, can't be compressed.

It amazes me what shops don't know about the basics of engine operation. (well, actually it doesn't these days)
Dang I love me a good Jake Take.
Old 01-27-2018, 01:03 AM
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sober_owl
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those numbers look perfect..usealy withing 10 to 15% of each other is good
Old 01-27-2018, 09:54 AM
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jllphan
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Originally Posted by Woodman71
Dang I love me a good Jake Take.
right? “Cmon guys, it’s all ball bearings nowadays” Yoda has spoken, and it is so.




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