1. Worn piston rings: The piston rings create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall. Over time, these rings can wear out and allow combustion gases to leak past, resulting in reduced compression.
2. Cylinder bore damage: The cylinder bores can become damaged or scored due to wear and tear, improper lubrication, or overheating. This damage can affect the sealing ability of the piston rings, leading to compression loss.
3. Faulty valves or valve seals: The valves and valve seals ensure proper sealing of the combustion chamber during the compression and combustion strokes. Worn or damaged valves or valve seals can cause leakage, resulting in compression loss.
4. Head gasket failure: The head gasket is a critical component that seals the cylinder head to the engine block. A blown or damaged head gasket can allow coolant or combustion gases to leak into the cylinders, causing compression loss.
5. Excessive carbon buildup: Over time, carbon deposits can accumulate on the cylinder head, valves, and piston crowns, restricting airflow and reducing compression.
6. Engine overheating: Severe overheating can damage the engine components, including the pistons, rings, and cylinder walls, leading to compression loss.
7. Worn camshaft lobes: In rare cases, worn camshaft lobes can affect the timing and lift of the valves, resulting in reduced compression.
It's essential to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the exact cause of the compression loss to determine the appropriate repairs.
