I have an 2001 Honda Civic EX 1.7l (D17A2 engine) with 150,000 miles on it...(boughtit a few weeks ago)

During the pre-purchase inspection I asked the mechanic to do a compression testand the results were:
#1 178psi
#2 170psi
#3 152psi
#4 178psi

The mechanic said the results are fine, but mentioned something that I could bring up #3, or bring down everything else by doing something about carbon ?

Can you please comment on this ? The car runs fine as far as I can tell, this is just mostly for my general information...thanks !

 

Read this DIY from Forty04:

https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_386770/tm.htm

Information here suggests that you shouldn't worry too much about the compression results.

 

Thanks, I read that about 2 weeks ago after I got the test results...its outside the 10% range, hence my post...someone else using search had around 200psi...it doesnt really matter to me, as the car drives fine, but I have interest so any more comments are appreciated!...thanks.

 

I agree. My quick estimation was off. Cylinder 3 seems too low.

 

Unfortunately, the fix for low compression typically requires pulling the engine apart. If you are concerned, the next step would be to determine the cause of the low compression, which will be either worn piston rings, valve leakage, or a bad head gasket. As you probably know, additional tests can be done without tearing the engine down to distinguish these possibilities. Maybe members who are "compression experts" can tell you whether or not these additional tests are even worth doing.

 

Thanks for the info Ron ! I will check it out a bit more myself and see what I come up with...

 

I would definitely give the leakdown test a shot, that will help let you know exactly where you're losing the compression.

 

new rings =]! and new oil could help a bit..

 

I seconded ...

 

you can always try some oil additive called ENGINE RESTORE...
it actually does work alittle but it wont do miracles but it does help.