Notices
General Automotive Discussion

compression test low

Old Mar 15, 2013 | 06:57 AM
  #1  
mike L's Avatar
mike L
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: va
compression test low

2005 neon 2.0 100,000 miles

Hi, ran the test while engine was hot, removed one spark plug at a time. I unplugged the coil, and removed the fuel relay. I depressed the accelerator for each compression test. Each cylinder I cranked the engine for about 5 seconds. I then repeated the whole test. Both times I got
#1 160 psi,
#2 90 psi,
#3 170 psi,
#4 165 psi.
Wet test, I used two cap full of motor oil. I got the same readings.
My manual says readings should be between 170 and 210 with 25% difference.
It has a PO302 misfire code. Engine doesn't smoke, or burn (use) any oil. It just idles a little bad. So do the results say it may need a valve job ( bad exhaust valve) on #2. Could adding Seafoam cause this problem? It's the first time adding Seafoam. I had the same thing happen on my caravan at 150,000 miles, seems after adding Seafoam too.



Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:46 AM
  #2  
jimandmandy's Avatar
jimandmandy
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Ive stopped doing this type of compression test and now to an aircraft style differential compression test with a setup from Harbor Freight. That way, you can use your ears to tell exactly what is leaking, intake valve, exhaust valve or rings.

Having said that, adding a cleaner causing a sudden drop in compression is puzzling. The only two possibilities I can think of is that intake valve deposits were partially removed and are hanging the valve slightly open, highly unlikely, or the upper compression ring was being so worn that the deposits were helping hold compression and got cleaned away, also hard to imagine.
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2013 | 05:59 PM
  #3  
Phinxter's Avatar
Phinxter
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
Not sure why you removed 1 spark plug at a time, you should remove them all, then crank the engine. I don't have any experience with your neon engine but just from engine experience sounds like a burned valve, I'm sure when your on the gas it runs ok, but idles rough. It doesn't sound like your head gasket is the problem because you would prolly be over heating or have oil in your coolant or vice versa. Either way the head has to come off, the way I verify the valves are not sealing is to pour a liquid into the ports and watch for it to leak out.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2013 | 12:18 PM
  #4  
jimandmandy's Avatar
jimandmandy
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
If you install a spark plug adapter that takes an air compressor hose, you can listen. Air coming out the muffler, exhaust valve/seat, the air cleaner, intake, oil filler, rings, radiator cap, head gasket.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2013 | 01:58 PM
  #5  
Phinxter's Avatar
Phinxter
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
Originally Posted by jimandmandy
If you install a spark plug adapter that takes an air compressor hose, you can listen. Air coming out the muffler, exhaust valve/seat, the air cleaner, intake, oil filler, rings, radiator cap, head gasket.
Let me add to that, #2 cylinder must be on the compression stroke at TDC for this to work.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fordtruckdoctor84
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jan 20, 2019 06:46 AM
tex_mex1911
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Aug 31, 2017 12:29 PM
dzdiggin'dude
Modular V10 (6.8l)
3
Mar 10, 2009 02:17 PM
bhaggerton
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
5
Mar 21, 2005 09:15 PM
gwp36530
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Apr 23, 2004 01:45 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:13 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE