1. Worn Piston Rings: Over time, piston rings can wear out and lose their ability to seal the combustion chamber properly. This can lead to loss of compression as gases can leak past the rings during the compression stroke.
2. Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: A damaged or leaking cylinder head gasket can also cause low compression. If the gasket fails, it can allow coolant or oil to leak into the combustion chamber, which can reduce compression.
3. Worn or Damaged Valves: Valves can become worn or damaged over time, leading to improper sealing of the combustion chamber. This can result in loss of compression as gases can leak past the valves.
4. Carbon Buildup: Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, on the valves, or on the piston tops can reduce the volume of the combustion chamber, leading to lower compression.
5. Engine Overheating: Severe or prolonged engine overheating can cause damage to the piston rings, cylinder head, or other engine components, leading to low compression.
6. Camshaft Timing Issues: Incorrect camshaft timing can affect valve opening and closing, leading to incomplete compression.
7. Mechanical Defects: In rare cases, low compression can be caused by mechanical defects such as a bent or broken connecting rod, a damaged piston, or a cracked cylinder.
It's important to diagnose the exact cause of low compression accurately to determine the appropriate repairs. A qualified mechanic can perform compression tests and other diagnostic procedures to identify the underlying issue.
