one more question

what is considered good compression for a 76 450 se. reading are 150,150,135,165 cylinder 1-4 and 150, 150 ,0 135 for 5-8. cylinder 7 had a badly burned exhaust valve and the head gasket was worn between 7 and 8. cylinder head work is being done to correct the burnt exhaust valved and replaced the head gasket.

[jeffsr]

The absolute pressure isn't as important as the differences between cylinders. 160-170 psi is a good place to be, but, the best of all worlds is a variation of less than 10% between cylinders. I don't know the spec for your motor, but most are in that ballpark...

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e

[mbdoc]

Compression readings are in direct relation to compression ratio. U.S. cars in that era had 8/1 ratio so about 140 lbs is a normal reading. W/stock cams that is!