Date:         Fri, 10 May 1996 16:54:46 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David E Most <most@gibbs.oit.unc.edu>
Subject:      low compression in #1

Well, I've been on the road for 6 weeks, and I just did a compression 
check on cylinder #1.  This check was prompted by noticably less power 
than usual last night and this morning.  Prior to checking the 
compression, I replaced the spark plugs hoping that this would solve a 
problem that I had noticed earlier - that is, when I pulled the #1 wire 
off the cap, the engine sound didn't change.  The compression in that 
cylinder was about 55 when I check it a couple of hours ago.  I decided 
to take the bus back out on the highway after changing the plugs, and now 
it seems back to "normal" meaning it'll go 65 mph.  However, it is likely 
the case that since this is the first f time I've ever checked the 
compression that this problem has been around for a while.  Last night 
though, before changine the plugs, I could barely get  to 40 mph.  

Clearly there's a problem with that cylinder, but I'd like to know what I 
can do to fix and/or diagnose the precise problem.  I know it could be a 
number of things, but I've been told it's likely a bad valve.  

Also, since it seems  to go ok, albeit underpowered, can I continue with 
it like this without getting worse, or does this depend on the cause of 
the low compression??  As I said before, I think it has probably been 
underpowered for a while.  Any help would be appreciated since it is not 
only my means of  transportation but it is also my home for the time being.

david
'79 westy