C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings?

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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 06:39 PM
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Default Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings?

#1 185
#2 180
#3 185
#4 180
#5 190
#6 185
#7 187
#8 180

We don't have the equipment to do a leak down test. But these are the results....I was told by another shop that my rings are worn, and that I needed a new engine. I think they were trying to hose me. Thanks to everyone here, that won't happen this time!!!! BTW, this is a continuation of an earlier thread I posted)
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 07:00 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

The cam and the compression will have a lot of effect on the number that you get when you are checking the compression.
I dont know what engine you have, but the numbers dont really look that bad and they look really even to me, I think your rings are ok.
I think a stock engine is about 190 to 210 so that is not to bad, maybe somebody on here can tell you what the right numbers for your engine is if you give more info.

Just my 2 cents
Jay
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 07:25 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

Those numbers don't show an engine that is "wasted". As stated, they are all close, so you don't have a "bad cyl".

As you probably know, it will still run. Run at bad-azz performace,... that would be a judgment call.

Can't say you are being hosed or not. This info seem slike fleeting comments.
Does it burn oil? (Because of rings or Vseals?)
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 07:34 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

The easiest way to determine if the rings are worn is to do a compression test with the cylinders dry and then squirt a big shot of motor oil into the cylinders (one at a time) and measure the compression wet. If the compression increases a large amount then you probably have worn rings. The numbers you listed sound pretty good for compression and most importantly they are all fairly even.
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 08:25 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (weekendwrench)

Compression indicated by a compression test is somewhat misleading, it can be influenced by cranking speed etc. the true measure is that they are all nearly the same ( within I believe 15% is the rule of thumb). :seeya
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 08:34 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

Does it burn oil?

Do you see blue smoke upon acceleration?

Those numbers look just fine otherwise.

:)
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 08:34 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

point of reference:

My stock 80K mile 9:1 CR 350 had about 150psi per cyl. Now at 10.5:1 CR with a longer cam, i have about the same as you. My rings are a little worn and my car burns some oil, but i definitely don't need anew engine.

Like someone said above, there are a lot of things that can effect the reading you get during a compression test, but at 180+....it doesn't sound bad.
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 09:43 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

The numbers look good, and no real deviations between cylinders. If you are not burning any oil, I wouldn't worry about it.
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 10:02 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

No smoke, no oil consumption...just a spot or two or the garage floor. Its a 91 with 94,000 miles on it.
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 10:13 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

No smoke, no oil consumption...just a spot or two or the garage floor. Its a 91 with 94,000 miles on it.
So what's wrong with the motor ?

Compression numbers look good, sounds like you just have a small oil leak.

Vic
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 10:31 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

I wonder if the 1st shop was going to be willing to at least give you a "reach around" as they pulled your "wasted" motor, put in a "who knows what" and installed your "wasted" motor in one of their cars.

Anyhow, seems your original issue was the failure of the intake manifold gaskets. Was this at the front and/or back or on the sides? If it's the front/back, what was used for the seal? Is it possibe the surfaces weren't prepped properly or improper sealant was used?

For sure I'd make sure the PCV is working. With the motor running, pull the PCV valve out of the valve cover. If you put your finger over the PCV valve, it should have pretty good suction.

In all, I'd bet you are 1 each happy camper.

Mark
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Old Nov 28, 2001 | 10:40 PM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (ladyinblack)

The compression numbers look fine. You just needed a new mechanic, not a new motor. Get the new mechanic to put in a new PCV valve and make sure the rest of the PCV system is clean. :)
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Old Nov 29, 2001 | 01:41 AM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (AquaMetallic94LT1)

Yes the even compression numbers are good.

Did you take it to a Chevrolet dealer? If you did not that's where I would go next. It sounds like the engine ventilation system but something else could be clogged also.

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Old Nov 29, 2001 | 03:20 AM
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Default Re: Compression test results...do these indicate worn rings? (Don Martin)

Those are VERY good numbers, you do need a new mechanic, not an engine.
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