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Re: compression testing

To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: compression testing
From: Dan Buettner <danb@thelittlemacshop.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 09:13:52 -0600
References: <004c01c1c1f9$cd7726c0$6cff0142@lsteinlaptop>
Larry --

I'm not an expert on engine rebuilds, but I have read in books and on 
the list that a total variation of less than 10% in cylinder 
compression is OK.  You've got a variation of 5 lbs either way from 
150, which is 3.3% each way or 6.6% total - I think you're OK.  You 
may also find that the compression evens out a little and maybe even 
increases slightly as the rings bed in.  Check compression again 
after you've driven for a couple thousand miles and see.

150 lbs for a GT6 motor with domed pistons sounds about right, but 
200 lbs seems *awfully* high for a street motor.  Perhaps it wasn't 
working just fine, and that's why it blew up!

Dan


At 7:51 -0700 03/02/02, <lstein6@earthlink.net> wrote:
>hey guys,
>    before i blew up my 72 gt6 engine i used to have 200 lbs compression in all
>6 cylinders (really).  i don't know how the previous owner got the compression
>so high, but it worked.  well that is until it blew up.  anyway, now that i
>have the engine rebuilt, with the same high dome pistons (new replacements)
>and a high performace cam etc.  i have run the engine a total of 20 minutes on
>the engine stand.  yes, i had all the safety gear, radiator etc. hooked up.
>here is my question.  i have removed all the plugs and ran a compression test.
>now i have 145 to 155 lbs in each cylinder.   they are not all exact as in 150
>for all 6.  is 145-155 normal ?  okay to have a difference of 10 lbs between
>different cylinders ?  the cylinder head is the same one, just completely
>rebuilt with new seats, valves etc.  the block is the same one just cleaned,
>honed, machined, the crank is the same one, just polished.  are there
>different head gaskets with different thicknesses that can account for the
>previous compression ?  the old pistons were the high dome stamped .030, so
>the new ones are the high dome done .040  what do you think ?  if i have a
>problem i want to fix it before i put the engine back in the car.  or is this
>fine and just move on ahead ?
>thanks for all the great help you guys share !
>larry@ehc.org
-- 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dan Buettner  -  Des Moines, Iowa  -  mailto:danb@thelittlemacshop.com

1957 TR3, TS15098L 'O' - with a nice shiny rear axle installed!
Front suspension & steering back together too - now for the brakes.

1977 Spitfire, FM64159U 'O' - in storage.

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