1. Piston Rings: Worn or damaged piston rings can cause compression to leak into the crankcase, leading to lower cylinder compression.
2. Cylinder Bore Wear: Excessive wear in the cylinder bore, often due to long-term use or inadequate lubrication, can reduce sealing capability, leading to low compression.
3. Head Gasket Failure: A damaged or blown head gasket between cylinder 2 and the engine block can allow combustion gases to escape, causing a loss of compression.
4. Valve Issues: Problems such as a burnt or damaged exhaust valve, incorrect valve clearances, or a faulty valve seat, can affect compression in the affected cylinder.
5. Cam Timing: Misalignment or improper timing of the camshaft can disrupt the valve opening and closing sequence, leading to poor combustion and low compression.
6. Piston or Cylinder Head Cracks: In severe cases, cracks in the piston or cylinder head can also cause compression leakage.
7. Carbon Buildup: Excessive carbon deposits on the piston and cylinder head can disrupt proper sealing, affecting compression.
To determine the exact cause, it's recommended to have the engine inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can perform compression and leak-down tests to pinpoint the source of the compression loss.