3VZ-e compression

[kc15842]

Folks, Whats acceptable compression for a well seasoned engine. I got 120 to 130.

 

[RonJR]

What's the elevation where you live? For sea level, that's low - should be upwards of 150. For 5000 feet 120-130 is about right.

That being said, to get good numbers you need to crank the engine with a good battery, and make sure the throttle is wide open.

 

[kc15842]

Thanks, we're about 2500 ASL. Good battery but I didn't have the throttle wide open. How much of a difference does that make?

 

[RonJR]

Not a huge difference, but you might pick up 10 psi. If you get close to 140 at 2500 feet I'd say your engine is OK, as long as it runs well otherwise, especially if all the cylinders are similar.

Oh, and I think the FSM calls for all the spark plugs to be out. Makes it easier for the starter to spin the engine briskly, which also raises the readings a bit.

 

[kc15842]

Thanks, you are correct. Some cylinders increased as much as 10 psi and others 5. 130 to 135 across all cylinders. What bothers me is after running it for 5-10 minutes it starts boiling out the over flow. I let it cool and had the radiator cap off trying to see if I could see any water flow and pretty quickly it started spitting out. Oil looks good on the stick and the oil fill cap. I always think head gasket when dealing with this motor especially when someone sells it cheap.