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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: solarized on 22 July 2005, 18:22

Title: Compression problem?
Post by: solarized on 22 July 2005, 18:22

88' PB Golf GTI 8v 113k miles

Hi All,

Did a compression test on my golf and cylinders 1, 3 and 4 were all 13 bar. Cylinder 2 however was only 11 bar. Car don't smoke, runs fine apart from an occasional dodgy idle, and there's no sign of head gasket failure - no leaks, no oil or water contamination, overheating etc. Anyone got an explanation for this, preferably one that ain't gonna have me reachin' for the cheque book! Haynes says permissable difference is 3 bar - I'm under this, just wondered if I should be concerned.
Cheers.

Title: Re: Compression problem?
Post by: Rain on 22 July 2005, 18:36

its not so bad shouldnt cause any problems but it looks like its going down the expensive road so just keep an eye on oil and water consumption.

Title: Re: Compression problem?
Post by: workhorse '90 8v on 23 July 2005, 10:28

I got given this stuff called 'engine restore', a tin of it, you add it when you do an oil change.
Says on the tin - will restore lost compression ..

All the bumff that comes with it is pretty convincing. I havent tried it yet.

You can find it on ebay (of all places) and advertised in some motoring mags..

worth a go (maybe :huh:)

Title: Re: Compression problem?
Post by: solarized on 23 July 2005, 18:10

Cheers for that, but don't fancy stickin' something in me engine I know nothing about - ta anyway. Am I right in thinking that if it was head gasket on it's way out, I'd see a loss of compression in one of the cylinders either side also? There's no leaks, no oil or water loss, and no smokey exhaust.

Title: Re: Compression problem?
Post by: Mr Blue on 23 July 2005, 18:50

I think your engine is fine if it runs well and doesnt drink water or oil. keep and eye on water and oil.

nothing to panik about.

Title: Re: Compression problem?
Post by: golfgti818 on 23 July 2005, 19:36

Head gasket can blow on just one cylinder and they normally do. Eventually the loss of compression from that one cylinder deteriorates and it will give you other symptons you dont have yet oil in coolant and overheating. Having said that i dont think your readings are alarming and i think its probably playing on your mind more than anything. Jut drive it normally and check it in a couple a weeks to see if its worsened.