Attachment 531226Hey guys

I got a compression leak down test done today on my b18a1.

Results:

Cyl 1- 4% Rings, coolant
Cyl 2- 2% Rings, coolant
Cyl 3- 4% Rings, coolant
Cyl 4- 4% Rings only

The dude said my results are not good, told me the motor was not worth turbocharging as my motor has blow by and possible head warp. He said there was a little pressure coming through the cooling system and it could be the head gasket, pressure can build up in the cooling system (especially when turbocharged) and I could blow hoses and radiators. Is that of high concern that there is pressure leakage into the cooling system? Have not seen any overheating since owning.
Not sure if he is trying to sell me on buying a new long block or he is being honest. The company is very reputable.
After researching leak down results over the internet, those numbers above seem to be excellent?

When i purchased the car the seller said the motor was rebuilt 90000kms ago. I did not see receipts for the engine work done though but he did seem like an honest guy.

The motor runs great! But after what he has told me I am not sure if I should start building my turbo project then to be pulling it all off to replace my motor.

Appreciate your thoughts on this? Thinking about getting leak down done from a different company and get there views. Wasted money

Tks

 

So which is it? A compression test or leak down test?



Your photo indicates a leak down test only. The numbers if accurate are very good. If a compression test was done also, what are the numbers?

 

Was a leak down test. Did a compression test a few weeks back, 210 across the board. A leak down test would indicate something also if there was bad compression in a piston yes? Tks

 

Those results seem fine within spec

 

yeah they seem fine to me too. my turbo gsr also has 210 psi compression even but with 10% leakdown past the ring in all cylinders (i built it pretty loose). i boost the heck out of it and it runs more than fine. you are good to go my friend

 

It sounds like what the mechanic is saying it's that pressure is leaking into the cooling system. If so that is not good.

 

OP, your numbers seem fine as far as the leak down and compression tests go. What your mechanic said is a bit troublesome. If I were you, take the head to a shop and get it pressure tested and check the mating surface and machine as required. Also, you should replace the headgasket and install head studs. This should resolve any issues associated with the head.

 

If any pressure from a leakdown test (which is only 100psi or so) is entering your cooling system, address that issue first.

While the leakage numbers are low, any pressure entering the cooling system isn't proper.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Think I will pull the head, get her machined and drop some arp's in there. Better safe then sorry- $100s vs possible 1000s

 

I am questioning the validity of this test. If 100 psi of test pressure is showing signs of leaking into the cooling system you would have other problems. Actual combustion pressure far exceeds that and you would certainly have overheating, empty coolant overflow and other drama. Also, possibly the gauge calibration is questionable with the numbers so low like that.

 

I hear you on that. Thinking I might use another garage and retest it! No overheating. Mind you, the overflow has been a little low over a 2 week period but nothing serious...Hot water evaporates

 

Here is the other thing. After running my car to full temp i pop the hood and see if there is pressure on my hoses. Nothing! Still squishy, should they have tension on the hoses if pressure was getting into cooling system?