My point is that compression testing has some serious shortcomings. First, it's very difficult to get reliable numbers. There are lots of things that can move the numbers around.

Secondly, even after you think you have a good set of numbers, you don't know what do to with them. Say for example you get a cylinder that looks low. Do you really want to tear it apart to overhaul it? Probably not.

So in the end, you work on the things that are much cheaper, and easier, to do because they might make the low compression problem much less of a real problem. A good fast starter, good glow plugs, synthetic oil, and good battery can make a car with borderline compression meet your transportation needs for years.

240Joe