Piston compression numbers RED 202

[subasurf]

Hey guys, doing some compression tests on the Holden RED 202 engine in my SIII. My compression testing kit seams to be playing up so I might need a new one but here are the numbers on our first attempt.
Engine running warm, throttle fully open and cranking for around 7 seconds or so. We tested each one once dry and once with some oil squirted in the cylinder.

# Dry Wet
1 111 124
2 120 125
3 114 149
4 116 135
5 145 145
6 159 160

Bare in mind, we were having slight issues with the kit; but I guess these figures show that the piston rings are pretty shagged. Oh well. Can anyone please tell me what kind of figures we should be getting on a healthy Holden 202? We're going to try again soon when we fix/replace the testing kit as I want to swap out the plugs anyways.

So yeah, what numbers should I be expecting for this motor. It's bone stock by the way.

[d2dave]

Can't tell you off the top of my head but I don't think you would get much higher than 160 which is reflected in your number 6.
Having said that a figure of 140 would be ok if they were all similar.
When doing comp test you should only crank for about 3 seconds.

Dave.

[Bigbjorn]

Strangely my LJ Torana workshop manual does not quote recommended compression figures. I agree that they should be up around 160. Yours sounds pretty worn by the figures you have quoted.

[subasurf]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll retest sometime this week when I get the kit sorted and I'll repost the stats. I'll hopefully be replacing the head gasket this week and if that doesn't improve figures enough I'll pull the engine and put something else in it. I can't fathom spending much money on a piece of **** 202 anyhow. Not when you can get 186 engines in good running condition for a couple hundred dollars.

Cheers guys.

[mike 90 RR]

I'll hopefully be replacing the head gasket this week

If your taking the head off ... Put the piston(s) down the bottom of the stroke and have a look at the Gap between the bore & piston .... This may help you decide the course of action & dollars to be spent /// Personally tho ... it' a shagged motor & needs new pistons & rings, given the variance of compression numbers

Mike
;)

[lyonsy]

a good fresh engine will have around 150-200psi depending on what compression you are running.
compression testing also comes down to what cam your running to bigger the cam the less compression.
for a standerd 202 if it runs smooth and has comp above 100psi id leave it.
if wanting more go buy a second engine build that up then install.
stay clear of reco engine's if getting change over get a remanufactured engine at least everything is kinda redone.
also the varience of the compression number's would be mainly due to the cooling system when warming up the rear cylinder warms the quickest so has the least wear the front runs the coolest and wear's the most
but with out lots of mods to the cooling system wont be cured and not worth it on an old 202 ether, block heater's would help.

[subasurf]

Thanks guys, again. Lot of helpful information. Basically I'll spend only a little bit getting this engine up to scratch and then start researching and planning a swap. Then engine runs fine, don't get me wrong, although the carby is in desperate need of a rebuild (this weekend). I'll change the gaskets over on the engine this week or weekend and leave it at that. I would love to drop in a diesel but I'm going to do a tear down on the engine body of the car and inspect it all and make sure she's worth the money at this stage.

Cheers again guys. Just got home with a new complete gasket set for the engine :)