Brandon Peters

I did a compression test on my h22a1 cylinders 1,2, and 3 were around 225-235 but when I did cylinder 4 it was only around 170-180. I'm pretty new to hondatech and trying to figure out where to start and what I should do. My friend has a leakdown test I could use so I figure that's my next step but would like to hear some suggestions or ideas on what it might be.

backinblue92

iTrader: (1)

Well you're obviously looking for variation, which you've found. 10% is considered normal, and youre, what, 25% or so?

U can start by doing a quick valve adjustment. A tight valve can throw #s off but it sounds more like given the discrepancy that you've got a valve or ring issue. Rule out headgasket for most part, as that usual affects 2 adjoining cylinders.

Do a wet compression test, aka a little oil in the low cylinder. If it rises, it's ur rings for sure. If it's static, valve(s)

snobordboy

<p>If you have access to a leakdown tester, just go ahead and use that, it will tell you if you are leaking out the rings or the head .</p><p>Most likely you have bad rings or blown ringlands, and are going to need a bottom end rebuild.</p><p>Depending on time and finances, it may be faster/ easier to just swap in a JDM engine straight a cross, and pick up a little bit of power in the process. Then you can do whatever with the old engine as time and finances/ desires permit.</p>

holmesnmanny

With fairly high numbers I normally wouldn't suspect a leaking head gasket however the 4th cylinder normally is the first cylinder to go. A leakdown test will help pin point. I'm curious if your car has overheated in the past.

Brandon Peters

Thank you all very much and yes the car has actually overheated in the past before when I was stuck in traffic. Is getting a JDM engine not really very pricey?