When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just did a compression test on my 1989 2.9 v6 with 257,000 miles on it. I got readings from 158 to 150. What I don't know is what a new motor would read. I understand their shouldn't be more than a 30% difference between cylinders and I believe I am good in that aspect. I guess what I need to know is what have I learned from the test? How should I interpret the readings? :
I think your readings indicate that all the cylinders are in pretty much the same condition; none of them is much more worn than any of the others. To get more detailed information, you would need to do a leak-down test. This will tell how worn the rings and valves are. But if you're not burning oil excessively, I wouldn't worry about it.
To properly lubricate the cylinder walls, some oil will be consumed during normal operations. Ford says that up to 1 quart burned every 1500 miles is "normal". That seems kind of high to me, but it's what my 87 Mustang v8 has been doing since new.