Compression Results...

[temfate]

I have a quick question about some compression test results. I read the VFAQ, and got a Harbor Freight Tools el-cheapo compression tester. Did it all and got my readings:
Dry (Wet)
1: 99 (109)
2: 108 (120)
3: 110 (121)
4: 115 (118)

These all are low compared to spec, but not very low like I've read others having. Is this a indication the cheap meter just is not accurate, or is it getting to be time to consider a minor rebuild with new rings?

 

[Talek]

Those are really pretty low... I doubt it's the meter, could be tho. If it's not, then ya, start preparing for a rebuild pretty soon. It might run for awhile yet, but it's gonna start smoking pretty bad and you've likely lost power already.

 

[VBGSX]

Like he^^^^ said. Those are really low.
Even if the guage wasn't a 100% correct(calibrated correctly), you still have a big variance between cylinders.
1: 99
4: 115

Tha's a 16 psi difference.
Not even looking at the wet test.
I would say it's time to be considering a rebuild.

Just my opinion

 

[temfate]

I figured I would mention the car has 188,000 miles on it and I have no clue if it was ever rebuilt.

Also, the oil level is about 1/2 quart high right now (thanks to my local drive-threw lube shop). And I did the test with the engine luke warm (1 hour of cooling). Could that explain lower numbers?

I figure it does need to be rebuilt soon considering I'm thinking of getting a aftermarket turbo real soon and pushing it real hard...

 

[Talek]

Dude, 188k miles is huge for a turbo dsm... My old 90 TSi had just 125k miles on it when it started smoking bad all the time. Really, you'll need to rebuild it sooner or later and if you wait too long it can cause more problems, especially when you start running higher boost. #1 rule of modifying any car is make sure it's in proper running condition first.