bad compression

[Sierra240d]

74 240d w115
Ran a compression test via injectors today and it came out not so good.
#1- ~200psi
#2~300psi
#3~300psi
#4~300psi
I adusted the valves and it made no difference. glow plugs tight.
What are my options here? Is it hope less or is there a possibel not so expensive option?

All the other cylinders are in great shape... but I did find fine metal particles in the oil. I pulled the oil pan previously and couldn't find anyting a miss, no movable parts.

Thanks
Steve

[Matt L]

The next step is a leak-down test.

[t walgamuth]

i would suspect a bad valve. but did you find any tight when you adjusted them? if one was tight it might need to be driven a bit to re seat itself. (this is a guess).

tom w

[Sierra240d]

Nothing wierd re: the valves... they were actually a bit loose, not the nuts but the clearence. I adjusted and got the same compression.

I understand the concept of a leak down test but have never done one. Should just turn the engine till the valves on No-1 are closed and hook up the compressor and listen... is that it? How will I tell if air is escaping from the bottom end?

How likely is it that this could just be the head gasket? or am I just dreaming.

Thanks
Steve

[t walgamuth]

i believe you use air plus a guage to measure how fast air escapes. it seems unlikely to me to be the head gasket but that is a possibility i suppose.

tom w

[Sierra240d]

I don't understand the need for a guage... aren't I just seeing where the air comes out?

What is the best and worst case scenario here?

Thaks all
Steve