Low compression across the board (Cylinders are sharing compression)

[awdtalon4451]

About three weeks ago I thought was o so close to finishing my 6-bolt swap on my 95. Shortly after I Stabbed the motor and trans in I was hooking up my electrical and vacuum lines when I figured Id run a compression check. With all that being said the numbers across the board were absolute shit!!! (0-50-50-0) I think or something like that. My first thought was timing so i checked it and it was on the money. I couldn't think of anything else that could do it so I loaded my car up and brought it to Tampa Mike at TDCP in Mobile, Ala. About a week later Mike calls me back and tells me that my motor is only holding 15% of what it should and that my cylinders are sharing compression. What the hell causes that? Im posting in here because Im sitting on pin's needles waiting to hear something else from him and I want to know what the experienced or even newb dsm'ers think or have to say about this. I need help figuring out the culprit!
Thanks in advanced guys!!

 

[viprez586]

Sounds like a blown headgasket to me. Worst case - cracked block.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Yeah, you'll have to pull the head no matter what you do.
Just go from there.

 

[awdtalon4451]

Sounds like a blown headgasket to me. Worst case - cracked block.

Man i sure as hell hope its not a cracked block. I paid $650 for this motor that SUPPOSEDLY got shipped from Japan with 50K , Mike told me he was pulling the head off thursday and is going to have it pressure tested. Not knowing if the problem is in the head or shortblock is driving me crazy.

 

[Broken TSI]

If it ends up being a problem with the motor before install let us know where you got it so we know not to order from there

 

[jrohner]

Have the head checked over by a shop, and put in a new head gasket. You can take a good look at the cylinders and tops of the pistons while it's apart. Most likely you'll be good to go.