Date:         Mon, 17 Sep 2001 17:08:39 -0400
Reply-To:     Joe Romas <jromas@COLUMBUS.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Joe Romas <jromas@COLUMBUS.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Engine shot? Odd compression readings
Comments: To: Steve Sullivan <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Steve

    How did you adjust the lifters? It's been determined that we should
leave them looser then originally called for. The reason is so that they can
bleed themselves of the air. Boston Bob Daniels recently sent a post about
it. Craw back under your van and instead of 2 turns after contact or
whatever it was, stop right there or one half turn more. Search the archives
and for more specifics.


Joe


----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Sullivan" <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 1:44 PM
Subject: Engine shot? Odd compression readings


> Just completed my first ever compression check on my 1.9L with 170k on it.
> Recently had a "bottom end" (why do they call it that?) job of re-ring,
new
> rod bearings, and completely rebuilt heads. Am concerned about the
readings
> I got, need you expert's help diagnosing results. (Not sure I have the
> cylinder numbers right.)
>
> #1 (RR): 152 psi
> #2 (RF): 115 psi
> #3 (LR): 160 psi
> #4 (LF): 131 psi
>
> According to friend Bentley, that's mostly within specs:
>
> Range
> Ideal: 145 - 189     My van: 115 - 160
>
> Minimum
> Ideal: 116     My van: 115
>
> Max difference between highest and lowest
> Ideal: 44     My van: 45
>
> The two front cylinders are low, the two rear cylinders are OK, all are
low.
> What gives? After re-ringing the pistons, honing the cylinders, and
> rebuilding the heads (and a great break-in), shouldn't the readings all be
> correct? Or are my valves out of adjustment (haven't adjusted since
> assembly, been a couple thousand miles since)?
>
> Thanks for the help. Wanted your advice before calling the rebuild shop,
so
> I know what I'm talking about.
>
> Steve
> Calvin, the 84 Westy
>
>
> Steve Sullivan
> Off the Map Consulting
> 1326 S. 13th St.
> Mount Vernon, WA 98274
> 360-428-7018
> steveis@speakeasy.org
>