Compression Test - Interpreting Compression Readings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Lincoln Navigator and 2006 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- If compression improves considerably, piston rings are faulty.
- If compression does not improve, valves are sticking or seating incorrectly.
- If 2 adjacent cylinders indicate low compression pressures and squirting oil on each piston does not increase compression, the head gasket may be leaking between cylinders. Engine oil or coolant in cylinders could result from this condition.
Use COMPRESSION PRESSURE LIMIT TABLE when checking cylinder compression so that the lowest reading is within 75% of the highest reading.