Hi!

On a smoothly running '99 NB 1.8 running 10psi of boost at 120k miles, I did a compression test with a new tester and it read 165/180/175/185. Wet, the first cylinder read more like 175, 180, but also I feel like I could have cranked the dry cylinder long enough to get a little more pressure. I truedd to keep cranking time even. So I assume there is some ring wear.

However, I really don't want to get a new engine or tear this thing apart. As long as I do all my maintenance and constant oil changes and stuff, should I be fine to just keep running this thing?

Also, anyone used ring sealant fluids before? Are they fake?

 

You're fine. 12% variation aint great but also not terrible. run it til it won't run no more. and none of those snake oil bs "fluids" ever actually work

 

Thank you!! Now onto the oil leaks!

 

I wouldn't say it's particularly bad. What order did you test compression in? 4, 3, 2,1?

I ask because when I tested with a weak battery, cranking speed decreased as I kept going and continued to get worse numbers unless I kept the battery topped off. Now I always test 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1 to verify that nothing looks out of the ordinary due to a sagging battery voltage.

 

Thanks! I tested in multiple orders. Seems power available to the starter really does matter.