Low compression after head install

[TalonJohn94]

idk, but I don't have an air compressor.

Ok. Bought a small air compressor and did a leakdown test with 80psi.

Bad news, I think. I put it at TDC and tested it and heard some leakage. And then to really test it, I pulled out the rockers on cylinder 1.

Bad news ... immediately I heard a lot of air leaking out of the exhaust

I am SO FRUSTRATED, because I had the machinist (a poster on these forums) go through this head twice. And I have no more $$ to send to another machinist.

 

[luv2rallye]

I don't think this is the problem but isn't the crank timing notch in 6.jpg off slightly with the pointer (just past it)? Compare to the vfaq figure 12 diagram.

Also at TDC both exhaust and intake valves are open on one cylinder on turbos. See here (this for 2g but for 1g exhaust valves close at 9* ATDC so I suggest setting crank more than 9* ATDC for any leak down or boost leak test): http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121912&d=1303187520

 

[Palmetto_TSi]

My guess would be that you bent a valve or two when you had the cams 180 degrees out of phase. This would cause them to be open when they should be closed. I would pop the head and take a look.

 

[TalonJohn94]

The cams were never 180 degrees out of phase, that was just how I accidentally took the picture.

I took everything apart because the car had bad idle and low compression, not because I jumped a tooth or the car was running extremely poorly. I don't think I bent any valves.

 

[TalonJohn94]

OK. Did a proper leakdown test on cylinder #1.

It shoots right to 40%.

Is it worth doing the rest?
Any advice on what to look for if/when I pull the head again?