Originally Posted by sgt1959 (Post 3286523)

I have a 87 sdl with over 250000 miles on her. The problem is when I start the engine cold it rocks and rolls and then smooths out once it warms up. Also blows grey smoke til it warms up. I did a compression test and the reading were as follows 1,3,5 and 6 were showing 300 psi and number 2 was showing 400 psi this was with engine warm and all injectors out. my question is where do I go from here ?

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong (Post 3286542)

Most people would next do a "wet" compression test putting a bit of oil in each cylinder in order to try and identify if the piston rings themselves are an issue.

Then a leak down test, doing that would hopefully identify more accurately exactly where the combustion chamber pressure is leaking off to. Could be past the piston rings, could be past valve seats, could be past valve guides and seals. Observing where pressure is leaking will help identify what is not working as designed. With each cylinder near its TDC the space is pressurized and then the speed at which that pressure bleeds of is observed and noted. The faster pressure bleed rates should correspond to lower compression readings. Depending on how fast the pressure bleeds you might be able to confirm the pressure loss fault by listening at the exhaust manifold for exhaust valve seat issues, the intake manifold for intake valve seat issues, under the valve cover for valve guide/seal issues and at the dip stick for piston ring issues. You listen for air escaping, some type of amplified listening apparatus is helpful.

Originally Posted by rscurtis (Post 3286713)

What was the pressure on #4?

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong (Post 3286542)

Most people would next do a "wet" compression test putting a bit of oil in each cylinder in order to try and identify if the piston rings themselves are an issue.

Then a leak down test, doing that would hopefully identify more accurately exactly where the combustion chamber pressure is leaking off to. Could be past the piston rings, could be past valve seats, could be past valve guides and seals. Observing where pressure is leaking will help identify what is not working as designed. With each cylinder near its TDC the space is pressurized and then the speed at which that pressure bleeds of is observed and noted. The faster pressure bleed rates should correspond to lower compression readings. Depending on how fast the pressure bleeds you might be able to confirm the pressure loss fault by listening at the exhaust manifold for exhaust valve seat issues, the intake manifold for intake valve seat issues, under the valve cover for valve guide/seal issues and at the dip stick for piston ring issues. You listen for air escaping, some type of amplified listening apparatus is helpful.

That being said, your symptoms are very typical of these engines particularly ones that don't have glow plugs that are reasonably new. The alloy heads are a huge heat sink and they take a bit longer to warm up. You might find it valuable to do a search of the archives for "purple wire" or "purple wire fix" it is a simple mod that allows the glow plugs to stay energized for the longest period possible and helps with the symptoms you've described.

Your compression test readings might benefit from a second do over paying particular attention to making everything connect securely and leak proof as well as verifying the accuracy and repeatability of the gauge itself, unless you are certain the tool is worth complete confidence in its readings. A cheap HF tool can often give erroneous results.

Yanking the cylinder head off might eventually be required but it probably isn't the logical next step unless you prepared to embark on a full cylinder head R&R to address what is really from your description little more than an annoyance thus far. Even a DIY head gasket replacement alone is a couple hundreds of dollars most likely, paying someone else will easily triple or more that.

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS (Post 3286732)

And I thought I was insidious :D I was wondering about all injectors open, does this mean glow plugs still in I hope?

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong (Post 3286769)

There would be ZERO compression if the glow plugs were not installed while testing using a nozzle holder type adapter. The only reason to have the nozzle holders out would be if that type of adapter was being used. Therefore the fact that any compression reading was obtained would lead one to believe the glow plugs remained installed during the test.

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS (Post 3287151)

What is the normal spec to compare with?

Originally Posted by ah-kay (Post 3287158)

Measured with engine at temperature.

Service manual specs:
=====================
Normal pressure: 26-32 bar 377-464 pis
Minimum pressure: approx. 18 bar 261 psi
Permissible difference between cylinders: 3 bar 43 psi

Originally Posted by sgt1959 (Post 3287115)

that is correct glow plugs were left in, forgot 4 was also at 300 psi only 2 was off at 400. I did use a HF gauge so I feel preasure are close. I read at alldata do not do a wet test as this engine may start on you and the compression will go through the roof enough to blow the gauge. don't know if this is true or not but didn't try it just the same. The tester is screwed into each cylinder nozzle hole