Peter,

What I meant by all the cylinders compression readings being the same is more important, is shown by PC Dave's measurements. The one cylinder being different, not the absulute numbers, shows that there is a problem in the engine.

If an engine is worn, has bad rimgs or a burned valve, it is unlikely that all the cylinders will read the same wheras an engine in good condition, all the cylinders will have compression readings that are very close. Therefore it is the difference in the compression readings that shows a weak cylinder.

P E H

Thanks, guys. I'm going to move the car to LA for the winter (fear of salt more than anything else), so sub-zero cold starts aren't going to be a problem anyway. I'll do more research with my mechanic, but if it's not an easy fix I'm inclined to live with it until I have to get a rebuild.

Dave

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

1- The test is totally meaningless unless you do a valve adjust first, and have the engine at operating temp.

2- Spec is something near 30 bar (420psi), with a max variance of 3 bar (45psi) between highest and lowest cylinders. I'd be a little nervous with anything below about 24 bar (350psi).

3- Yes you need to hold or tie down the stop lever to prevent fuel from being injected.

4- Crank the engine until the needle stops rising. And make sure the battery is fully charged before starting this!

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