- Worn piston rings
- Worn or damaged cylinder walls
- Leaking or burnt exhaust valves
- Leaking or burnt intake valves
- Head gasket leak
Effects on Engine Performance:
- Reduced engine power and efficiency
- Increased fuel consumption
- Rough idle and misfiring
- Engine knocking or pinging
- Increased oil consumption
- Premature engine failure
Recommended Actions:
- Perform a cylinder leak-down test to identify the source of the low compression.
- Inspect the piston rings, cylinder walls, valves, and head gasket for signs of wear or damage.
- Replace worn or damaged components as necessary.
- Adjust the valve clearances if necessary.
- Perform a compression test again to verify that the problem has been resolved.
Additional Considerations:
- Low compression in one cylinder may not be a cause for immediate concern if the engine is still running smoothly and no other symptoms are present.
- However, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further engine damage.
- If the low compression is accompanied by other symptoms, such as reduced engine power or rough idle, it's best to have the engine inspected by a qualified mechanic.
