How much compression should a 4 cylinder engine have?

Healthy engines should have compression over 100 psi per cylinder, with no more than 10 percent variation between the highest and lowest readings.

What are good numbers for a compression test?

According to professional mechanics, a healthy engine should have compression of over 100 psi per cylinder, and the deviation between the maximum and minimum readings should not exceed 10%. It might surprise you, but you don’t need special skills to do it.

How do you read a compression test?

This test reveals either of two things, depending on the result:

1. If the compression doesn’t change, this indicates a compression leak via the head gasket and, in a few cases, a cracked cylinder head or block.
2. If the compression increases, this indicates a compression leak via a worn-out piston ring or cylinder.

Is 200 a good compression?

As a general rule a compression of 135 PSI or better is excellent. Similarly, a compression of 85 PSI or lower is extremely bad. The most desirable situation is that all cylinders, give the same or close to the same reading. Furthermore, that reading should be above 135 PSI.

What are the consequences of too low compression?

Low engine compression is detrimental to your engine and car. You’ll experience problems like misfires and reduced fuel economy that will only get worse with time. This is why we recommend fixing low engine compression as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.

How do you fix low compression?

A healthy engine should have 100 PSI per cylinder. If two cylinders next to each other both have low pressure, a blown head gasket is a likely culprit. If you discover you do have low compression, the only solution is to replace the leaking part whether it’s the piston, piston ring, camshaft, head gasket or valves.

What is a bad compression reading?

An engine compression test will tell you if your cylinders have good compression. As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. Of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve.

How much does it cost to fix engine no compression?

Fixing low engine compression issues involves repairing or replacing the part(s) causing the problem. If you decide to have a professional mechanic do the compression test, it’ll cost you anywhere between $100 and $200. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged part(s).

What are signs of low compression?

If you experience compression loss in one cylinder of the engine, it can cause misfiring and poor vehicle performance. A decrease in power output is a sign of worn-out internal parts. Sometimes, an engine misfire code may indicate compression loss, but first, check the ignition and fuel for problems.