Ford 289 compression
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 6
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Ford 289 compression
I have a 1965 Ford 289 that I bought, and I was trying to find tdc on cylinder #1 so I pulled the plug and stuck my finger over the hole to feel for pressure on the compression stroke, and I didn't feel any pressure is this something I should be concerned about? I can't do a compression test yet cause I don't have a flywheel on it and it's on a stand but I just don't know if this is normal? I felt pressure on some of the other cylinders but just not that one? Any help appreciated! Thanks!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,505
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A little OT but before you get too deep in that 289 make sure it matches the bell pattern you want to use. '65 is a transition year. 5 bolt to 6. The six bolt pattern carried through to the end of production and gives you many more transmission options. FWIW.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
I use that same method for determining compression stroke so I can set timing. Glad to know someone else is as practical as I am. I go a step further and stick a brass welding wire in the hole after I feel the compression. I rotate the engine toward TDC on that piston. Once the wire stops rising I know I'm very close. I use the timing marks as a check/final position. I once found a failed balancer using this method.
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