66 Plymouth Engine Testing

[66 Meteor]

Requesting comments to help me with engine determination.

I have a fairly original 66 Satellite with its original 361 2bbl, AT. I don't have much expertise in engine diagnostics and assessment so I had some testing done with the following results:

Oil Pressure: at idle 40psi, at idle hot 38psi, at 2000rpm 80psi, at 2000rpm hot 75psi.

Compression in psi: #1 95, #2 110, #3 115, #4 100, #5 105, #6 115, #7 100, #8 90.

No visible oil/seal leaks or exhaust smoke.

Can you gents give me an assessment of these results: good, avg, or problems. Reasons why #1 and #8 are lower than the others. The 1-4 bank is slightly stronger than 5-8, is this a problem? Should I do further testing before I invest time/money into the car. THANKS for the help.

 

[Dako]

You didn't say how many miles were on the powertrain. Depending on that, this could be normal wear. the #1 & #8 are a bit low on compression, but it depends on what you plan to do with this chariot as to whether or not these need addressing. If you plan to just drive the car as is, you can save the cash on motor work and do just that...drive it. If you are planning a total resto, well then it would be rebuilt anyway, right? Bottom line, it's not going to hurt it one bit to drive it. Does it smoke?...use excessive amounts of oil? If no, JUST GET IN AND DRIVE!

 

[Meep-Meep]

Those are some pretty low compression numbers and that would lead me to think it's just plain wore out. Normal for that engine should be about 125 or better. And some notes on compression readings. Did you take the readings with the engine warm, all the plugs removed and the throttle wide open? The first crank should be at least half the total reading, which is a pretty good indication the valves are seating well.