What Causes Insufficient Cylinder Compression?
1 Answers
Cylinder compression refers to the pressure in the combustion chamber when the piston reaches top dead center during the compression stroke. Adequate cylinder compression ensures proper mixing and atomization of the air-fuel mixture, as well as the required temperature, pressure, and speed for combustion. The following are reasons for low cylinder compression: 1. Low compression in a single cylinder is usually caused by poor valve sealing. 2. Low compression in two adjacent cylinders typically indicates a faulty cylinder head gasket. If bubbles are visible in the radiator when accelerating rapidly, or hydrocarbons (HC) are detected at the radiator cap during rapid acceleration, it suggests a leaking cylinder head gasket. By placing one end of a rubber hose near your ear and moving the other end along the intake manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, and cylinder head gasket, you can quickly and accurately locate the leak. 3. If all cylinders show low compression, add 20-30ml of engine oil and recheck. An increase in compression indicates excessive wear of the cylinder, piston, or piston rings, or poor piston ring sealing. No change in compression suggests a faulty cylinder head gasket or valve sealing issues, or a blocked intake passage. 4. Higher compression in a single cylinder or some cylinders indicates poor combustion and excessive carbon buildup in those cylinders. 5. High compression in all cylinders suggests restricted engine exhaust flow.
