355 Compression Test - translation needed...

[DarkHorseTerence]

Hi Guys

I was sent this as a compression test result on a 355 yesterday.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lkniu4l54qfi4z5/Kompress...

I believe translated into lbs/ft the results are roughly

190
190
195
190
205
190
167
170

The note says that the reading for the 1st cylinder was wrong "due to the tester not being mounted correctly" - and therefore the 9th result is for cylinder 1. Therefore if this is right, cylinder 1 is 170, and cylinder 8 is 167.

These 2 therefore look a good % lower than the others.

Any comments / thoughts?

Thanks

Edited by DarkHorseTerence on Sunday 15th March 17:28

[Birkin1932]

It's really difficult to comment as results can change if engine is cold/hot etc.

I was told if results are under 200 have a leak down test done also

You need a specialist to hold your hand on this one to be honest.

[johnnyreggae]

Your results are pretty consistent but in the States they'd use the excuse of 1 & 8 to demand a rebuild mainly because they seem obsessed with rebuilding 355 engines - yet if the car has not been used much recently they could be explained by something as simple as a little carbon build-up which an Italian tune-up could resolve - its usually 2 and/or 7 where any troubles are first noticed as I recall

As noted a skilled hand-hold might be in order eg cerberaherts

[DarkHorseTerence]

You're certainly right in that the car hasn't been used much recently...

[Cactussed]

your read is correct to my mind.
As for what the results mean, it could be any number of things, from slightly worn rings to poor valve seating, possibly due to carbon build up.
If the car sounds and runs fine, just drive it some more.

If it starts really blowing blue smoke, then get it rebuilt.

you're not losing anything by driving it in the meantime.

[Cerberaherts]

A cylinder leakage test is a more relevant way of determining engine health on a 355.

[DarkHorseTerence]

thanks guys.

Seller wont carry out a leakdown test - says he doesn't have the test equipment. I offered to buy it for him. He refused. Says it all really....

[DarkHorseTerence]

possibly - but if hes prepared to do a compression test, leakdown isn't exactly going miles further.....

the request isn't without good reason...

[red_slr]

I am going to guess around 50k miles?

[DarkHorseTerence]

correct.....

[red_slr]

Seems to be quite common IME of looking for a 355 over the last 18 months.