The real value in a compression test is that the values are close for each cylinder. A leakdown test is of course much more accurate but a compression test is so simple and fast that it can give you a lot of info in a short time. I usually don't worry about low readings as long as they all match. Neither one of your examples would worry me at all. The 170 across the board or the 205's with one 200. I would use the compression check as a first test for issues and if you need more accurate info move on to the leakdown test. hope this helps, Craig the Gorge VW club |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.