Low compression!! really need help!!

[1g dsm d22]

k well im having a compression problem here. i did my compression test and they were

1=110psi

2=111psi

3=103psiWTF

4=110psi

all dry. did not know all about the wet compression test when i did this. car runs perfectly fine, lil bit of back fireing when i first start the car in the mornings, and at idle. now could this mean that i need to replace the piston rings? i dont wana start upgrading my car with parts when stock isnt sharp. anything will help guys, tell me what u think.

i was also reading that this could be the valves, but i dont think so. i replaced the valve seals about a month ago and no more smoke at all. and so now i wana be sure that everytings runing cool. also, does altitude matter? i mean......i live in denver and the repair manual i bought (haynes) sais tht i have to have at least a compression of 164. bt it doesnt say if its at sea level or anything . but does tht matter? let me know what u guys think.

thanks a lot

 

[lAsErfWd]

You need to do the wet test with a cap full of oil in each one. If the compression goes up with the oil in, then you know its the piston rings.

 

[empie1]

Headgasket..rings...cracked head...valves..think about the components that hold compression and check each on.Its a pretty straight toward process.

 

[1g dsm d22]

damn. headgasket was replaced when i did the valve seals. so its brand new what other gaskets? i did a whole head gasket replacement. the tester is brand new .....damn!!
and the head..............no craks.
and if it was the rings.......wouldnt that be burning oil? and would they mess up all at once?

 

[toofast82]

Do the dry test again and then do the wet test as said to verify if it's the rings or not, then go from there. If the rings pass, then look into leakdown testing it.

 

[1g dsm d22]

ya, whats the leakdown test kit? how do i do tht?

 

[snowborder714]

Please use proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. And don't bump your thread.

Leak down VFAQ.
Leak Down Test VFAQ

 

[1g dsm d22]

thank you. ^^ you can close it now. =p

 

[Calan]

Here's a new tech article that may help you:

Compression Test Vs. Leak-down Test

 

[steve]

The altitude does matter so, while the actually pressure limit will be lower because of the lower air density, the max difference between cylinders spec still applies.

 

[DSM1G90]

I'd say just tired rings. Take the head off then do the ring and bearing task while your ahead in the game.

..and the block can stay in the car...

DSM

 

[rush2252]

Just curious but did you bring the car to operating temps before the compression test?

 

[Hcaruso4]

A leakdown test will reveal what the problem is. Do one

 

[MichaelSuch]

Did you do this while the car was warm? If you did it cold it can really affect the results. You need to make sure that your timing is dead on, with it being off a tooth you can have lower compression than what you could be getting if it was dead on.

 

[1g dsm d22]

ya i did the test right after i got from work so it was hot enought for the test. i still have the same problem so im just gona rebuild my motor here soon. thanks alot guys!!!