I took the time to perform a compression test on my 96 GSR with 76k on it. Everything is stock. The readings came out to be 180-180-170-180. This seems really low compared to others with a b18c1 engine and approx. same miles. A lot of b18c1 engines get 200-240 psi across all cylinders. I took out all the spark plugs and removed the ECU fuse. Turned the engine over until the reading stoppped. What should I be worried about now? I don't plan to keep the car that long.. maybe another year max because I need to get a bigger car. Is there anything I should spend a ton of money on because of the results of the compression test?

Something that irritates me is that I don't know if the dial guage is giving me a correct reading. It starts off at 20 psi (I tried to reset it but it just stays at 20 psi instead of 0 psi). So I just subtract 20 psi off from the highest reading I get, which is 200 psi then I get 180 psi. The dial is supposed to start off from 0 psi correct? Too bad I got the compression tester off from ebay or else I could return it and get one that's more reliable.

 

You did the test on a warm engine, correct?

 

5 minutes after I drove home from work (10 miles). I waited a little because it was too hot to remove some bolts and touch the engine. Is there anything else I needed to remove like the air filter? The instructions that came with the tester said to remove air filter but I didn't hear of anyone else removing their air filter when doing this test.

 

sounds like u need to get a better guage. You can even take it to a shop and get them to do it for reaonably cheap.

In anycase compresion is compresion. Miles dont really much to an engine. at 76K, the care you gave that engine from the very first day is what matters. (frequency of oil changes, quality of oil), also driving habbits (like how much u red line, Is it driven in the city mostly, Does it ilde alot?).

I suggest u get it checked by a shop, then worry about the #'s afterwards.

 

Well, the good thing is that your numbers are very even

 

I wouldn't worry until you get readings from a reliable guage. That said, if your compression is bad, theres not really much you can do in terms of maintenence if you're only keeping the car for a little while. If it turns out to actually be bad, just take decent care of it till you sell it to some poor unsuspecting bastard.