Compression test? - experts please

[Mark51]

does anyone know what psi/bar a compression test should be for a 1.4 8v saxo? i know that the vts ones are about 220psi but not sure if thats for mine.

also what is a safe difference to have between each cylinder?

if your compressions are low what does this mean?

if your compressions are high what does this mean?

[jimmy2006]

Test your engine first then post the compression of all 4

[Joesnow]

Any difference of 2bar between cylinders indicates a fault from what I remember - think I got that from a haynes manual...

[Mark51]

what would be the causes of this?

[Joesnow]

Bent/burnt valves on a particular cylinder would show up as a low reading on 1 cylinder.

Low compression on 2 cylinders would indicate headgasket failure between 2 cylinders

Worn piston rings could be the cause, I think it would happen on them all though... you can eliminate piston ring wear by pouring a teaspoon of oil into the cylinder before the test...

Post up the test results along with your symptoms and I'm sure someone will be able to help!

[Mark51]

^^ what does the oil do?

will be posting them up sometime this week hopefully if i can get hold of a tester

[Quick]

The oil seals the cylinder like the rings do!

[hesslevtr]

my vtr were all 200psi

[jimmy2006]

good compression

[williamsvts]

i would do a leak down test. you can still get good compression with dead rings. leakdown test is more reliable.

[Mark51]

whats a leak down test?