Just did a leak down test on my built b18c.

It's a crappy tester from Harbor Freight, but readings were mostly the same in all cylinders.

Cyl 1 = 9%
Cyl 2 = 12%
Cyl 3 = 16%
Cyl 4 = 12%

If I take the oil filler cap off, smoke and air can be heard from every cylinder from that hole....

What gives?

Compression test was pretty good too.

 

Did another reading and it was all over the place.
This ****ing gauge is garbage.

 

Engine was very slightly warm. Going to get it to normal operating temp and try again.

 

Piston rings would cause that to happen or head gasket it was cracked allow the air to a oil passage but, I think rings. Did you do a wet test?

 

Just did a warm test, used a regular gauge for the leakdown gauge. Seemed to be more consistent.

Leak down: Around 8-9% loss in 1, 2, and 3. 4 had about 10%.

Did a warm compression test.
Compression: 170 in 1 and 2, 165 in 3, and 162 in 4.

Can still hear a little bit of air in each piston if you take the oil filler cap off. Is that normal, or what the ****? No way all 4 pistons rings are bad?
No noise in intake, no bubbles in coolant.

I am confused. Compression is great.

Any thoughts?

 

No one?

 

A small amount of leakdown is fine. The piston rings seal but not completely because they need to be able to move. None of those readings seem crazy. And we have no idea why you are doing these tests so it is hard to help you out.

 

Did these tests because I am nervous.

I am pulling this motor from my hatch and putting it in a sedan to get ready for boost.
I wanted to make sure the motor is in great shape before I start throwing large amount of boost at it. :D