out of time=low compression?

[Spoolin18]

I got 110 on cylinder #1, I know the service limit is 121. I'm pretty sure its mechanicaly out of time by as much as one tooth. I also noticed that when the dowel pins is up, the marks on the cam gears that are suppossed to face each other are opposite. The exhaust cam points towards the firewall and the intake points toward the exhaust cam gear. Should they line up for every cylinder to be on TDC. I know they have to be for the number one, but not sure about 2,3,4. If its out of time mechanically, could that cause the low compression on #1. The others was upper 130's to mid 140's. It seems to have an idle issue, it wants to idle too low sometimes, and dies. I adjust the screw and it still does it to some degree. I can rev it up and it bounces back to 7-800. When I come to a stop, it goes down to 500 sometimes. Any suggestions. It don't smoke, use less than a qt of oil between changes. Has plenty of power, holds 20 inch hg of vaccumm at idle, don't miss. Holds excellent oil pressure.

 

[wolf0573]

I'm pretty sure its mechanicaly out of time by as much as one tooth. I also noticed that when the dowel pins is up, the marks on the cam gears that are suppossed to face each other are opposite. The exhaust cam points towards the intake and the intake points toward the firewall.

If the dowel pins are up there should be a mark on the left and right edge of each cam. They should all line up going across.

Sounds like it would be a good idea to do a leak down test and see where you are losing compression. Leak Down Test VFAQ

 

[belize1334]

Being out of time can cause bad compression but it will affect all the cylinders the same. If you only have one cylinder that's got low compression then there's something else wrong. Do a leak-down test.

 

[Spoolin18]

Well, the weather broke for a couple hours and I checked the mechanical timing, it seems fine. I spoke to a mechanic and he seems to think its something going on with the piston or wrings, since it holds good vaccumm. I actualy thought the opposite held true. I haven't had a chance yet to do a leakdown test or a wet compression test either. I'm still weighing my options.