My '84-mit-wasserboxer had 215k miles when I bought it 15k miles ago, and was on its second engine and third set of head gastkets. On the pre-purchase check the compression was uneven... I forget the numbers, but like 25% low on two cylinders. I was going to pass, but my mechanic said it was not uncommon on the wasserboxer... so since the engine started well and ran strong, I took a chance. Seems to have paid off so far; I get 20/23 city/hiway, can climb most Interstate grades in 4th gear, and don't have to add oil between changes... so by real-world criteria I have to say this engine works better than the compression gauge says (to my S.O.'s delight). On my recent pre-smog tuneup (and catalyst replacement :-( ) I rechecked and compression is about the same. Maybe the thing is slowly beating itself to death inside from unbalanced forces... but seemingly not faster than the heads are corroding again or the tranny output gear is wearing and whining... Ed Mellinger Monterey CA '84 plain-jane |
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