2.0 compression test

[rjw0514]

I just bought a 74 914 2.0 that was sitting for a couple of years. I am going to do a compression test this weekend and I have not received the manual I ordered yet, so I am wondering what is the average compression for this engine

Thanks
Bob

[John Rogers]

Is the engine running? If it has sat for a while I'd run it around for a few days to let the rings reseat and I'd think you'd get a better idea of the condition of the engine. Good luck

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Average compression numbers are around 140 PSI, and 100 PSI is generally considered close to rebuild time. But that depends on a whoooooole lot of different factors. More important, generally, is that the readings are consistent from one cylinder to the next. <10% variation is good, dead-even is best.

--DD

[Scooter311]

Hey guys what's up!
I rebuilt a 2.0 to a 2056, and I was getting about 125 each before having to rechamber the heads, now I'm getting about 135 or so, but I haven't driven it but a few miles since then, and there's only a little over 1700 on it altogether. I'm told rings and such will continue to set as more miles are put on, and compression will increase as well as this happens, as John has said.
How many miles on your motor, and what's the general condition?
I'm curious as well to what others have to add to this.....

Adios,
Jeff

[SGB]

John is probably right. Good compression is 135 to 140 psi. I think the rule of thumb is that under 120 is too low.

[rjw0514]

Thanks every one, I was guessing about 135.
John, The engine started right up after a set of points and fresh gas. I run it every day for a bit, just to get every thing loosend up. Just finished a tune up and adjusted valves. It runs strong for the most part. But will keep close to home for a couple of hundred miles. After that then the engine gets pulled and built, and of course body and paint

Bob