So here are the results of a compression test yesterday, I am unsure what to make of them, although there seems to be some uniformity, is that enough?

Driver's side bank, front to rear:
135
150
150
135

Passenger side, front to rear:
135
140
130
130 (135 when "wet tested")

Experts, what do you make of that? I haven't done any sort of "leak down" test.

Thanks for your help!

 

Nothing wrong with those numbers.

 

Great, I was hoping for that!

 

So now I am thinking I'll pull it, clean it, replace seals, replace intake manifold and carburetor, perhaps convert to Dura-spark, 3-G upgrade, replace radiator (the pH says it has stop-leak in it). While it is out, I can clean up engine bay and frame rails. I think I want a second battery under the hood, too. Not sure why, just think it is a good idea.

Shorty headers and and a dual exhaust and she should be good to go.

Any other "freshening" suggestions for the 302? While it is out, should I replace:

1) Timing chain?
2) Bearings?
3) Water Pump?
4) Fuel Pump?
5) Anything else?

Money won't be a problem, as my insurance for the totaled Toyota will be picking up the tab for a replacement vehicle, and this is it.

Thanks for the advice

 

1) Timing chain? Definitely
2) Bearings? Do NOT touch the bearing!
3) Water Pump? Yes
4) Fuel Pump? Yes.
5) Anything else? Yes.. put a cam in it.. comp 35-234-3 with lifters of course and a new stock spec oil pump and pickup..

 

I am cam-ignorant... how difficult would that be, and how much of a change would it be from the stock cam?

Also, here are a couple pics of the plugs as they came out. What do they tell you? Thanks!

 

Oh, and thanks for the other recommendations, too.

 

Plugs look to me like you have oil consumption problems.....IMO, the compression readings say it's probably valve guides (or maybe just the seals) rather than rings. But, once you pull the heads you should have a better idea what's going on in the cylinder bores. And if you're replacing the cam and lifters you've already got the manifold off so pulling the heads doesn't involve much more time/money.

 

Thanks, Jeff. We are now looking at doing a rebuild. I have a friend who is in the automotive business and has a machine shop that he trusts with his life. We are going to pull the motor and deliver it to the shop, and get it back as a long-block, with a mild cam. We can add the new intake and carb to match. I appreciate the input!

 

If you are doing that then it will fix your plug fouling problem. I have a 1970 Bronco with a 302. I fixed it by running hotter plugs. Went to an Autolite 45. Now they are nice golden brown.