1.8 8v Engine problems

[85 Mk2 1.8 8v]

Hi all, been reading up on the posts but struggling to find the right info to help me out..

Right, I have issues with an '85 Golf II (K-Jet) 1.8 8v. Sat for around two years through the weather. I was asked to inspect for a mate. It needed a fuel pump fuse to get it running, to which it fired straight up,and exhaust manifold, which was consequently split in a few places an blowing badly. After researching a bit about them I found that the easiest way was for the head to come off, so with that I got to work an took it all to pieces, also doing the belt and head gasket, (plus the stem seals,injector seals and related gaskets that come in the kit)
I stick welded the manifold after struggling to source the correct manifold and fabricated the tool for those bloody horrible C clips.
I then proceeded to put it all back together. It went together fine enough but when it came to starting, it just didn't want to know. It fires up, but wont idle well,sometimes at all, below 2k and just sounds so noisey, lumpy and ill. After 15,20 seconds or so it will die, not running on. It smokes a bit from behind inlet/exhaust mani, but this could be lack of a decent seal on the downpipe - manifold section. So, with the timing re-done, checked and checked again, checked for spark (looks weak) and fuel,(seems ok) inspected dizzy leads an rotor (which could do with a good service if honest, but are in working order as it did run well before I attacked it)After checking vacuums and earths and electrical connections that were removed. I carried out a compression test and it shocked the hell outta me! Experience now tells me I should of done that before I started!!
The results were:
                    1             2             3              4
Dry:             98           109          95            130         PSI
Wet:            120          125         130            152        PSI
Difference    (22)          (16)        (35)           (22)

Cyl. 3 Requires Rings, or possibly bore scoring/damage??


Could it be that its the rings that need to be done, or my head work at fault? All the valves were lapped in and to the best of my knowledge the stem seals fitted correctly, flush without damages to the rubber. Im stumped, because I think that it can only be poorly seated valves(they weren't lapped in aggressively), piston rings or a faulty head gasket that is able to cause this low compression??
Also if my timing was out still the valves may not be shut at tdc,(??) but if that is the case would it still run?
Im heading back out to her later to ponder  
If anyone is able to shed any light, or has any info it would be greatly appreciated. Im continuing to check through the posts, I just need to keep her alive!!

Thanks,    Lantz

[85 Mk2 1.8 8v]

After checking metering head, plunger,Airflow sensor,cold start injector with no luck of rectifying the fault, Ive pulled the head back off. Checked the valves are seated and sealed and do not leak (used WD40??) This was ok. Head gasket was a new item and looked fine enough (going to change now anyway)

I squirted some oil into the bore to sit around the edge of the pistons, hoping it will seep down the bore past the rings but it didnt seem to go anywere so maybe the rings are ok??
Which basically leaves the injectors/injector seals, which the seals were replaced
So I suppose my question now is, if the injectors are at fault(seals or spray pattern) would that cause low compression? cos my mind says yes, if it creeps past the seals..but would pressure just pop them out? Also as it just popped into my head, does anyone know if there are two seals per injector, i.e one at top, one at bottom?? as was only given 4 seals in H.G kit?

Any clarification on this matter would be much appreciated!
Cheerz

[Wayne]

Injectors only have seals near the top, it is an o ring.

[85 Mk2 1.8 8v]

Ah right, thanks, thats cleared that up for me! My head work does seems fine. Any ideas of why the low compression though? Could the head be cracked, do you think? Its been through all the weather for 2 yearz.. It may be worth pressure testing it to be on the safe side as I cant see any cracks/splits/damage to it
Cheerz!!