How much Compression when new/rebuilt?

[Studebaker]

I have just checked my compression on a 1.3 with 135k miles. The numbers are 160+, 150, 145, 160+. The reason I aded the + is because the guage only goes up to 160. The numbers look good to me. But, I would like to know what the max number should be?

So how much compression have you seen on your festiva?

Thanks David

[batstiva]

According to my Hayne's 149 psi is minimal, 204 psi is standard. Having said that, I have no idea what my compression numbers are. Be interesting to find out.

[WmWatt]

do a wet and a dry test. for the wet test put a spoonfull of oil in thru the spark plug hole. if there's much of a change the rings are worn.

try a chemical cleaner. the #3 valve may be sticking open due to carbon build up. my compression is 195 @ 115k km on an '89 carburetted engine. my #23 was low until I used a cleaner.

[ejp2fast]

run some seafoam through your engine... that may dislodge some gunk....

[Studebaker]

Thanks all. Its a rebuilt head on a used short block. Done all the things above. Im happy with the way it runs.

Jep, I just got around to doing the auto to manual swap and a engine swap. FYI,
Swaping the petal assy takes about an hour longer than when I watched you swap out the petals.

Thanks David

[hot4dl8ly]

If I recall correctly, compression should be within 10%- highest to lowest. Looks like youre close to that.

[blkfordsedan]

If you watch the needle action of the gauge you can tell a lot from it. It will act differently due to poor ring seal, sticking valves, etc..

[perucho]

Why guess? Do a leak down test.

[91 Festiva]

low compression

we just did a test on my 91 L and pressure was 90 or lower on them all