• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Is my 360 done?

westie47

Well-Known Member
Local time
11:43 PM
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
405
Reaction score
178
Location
Abbotsford, BC
So, I decided to do a compression check on my 360, all of the cylinders were between 110-115. When I got the car, he started it and I didn't see any blue smoke. Does this mean I have a low compression engine or is it super tired?
 
Typically that would be on the low side but if they are all similar readings then maybe not.
Q.s
1. You pulled all the plugs, throttle wide open?
2. Gear reduction starter?
3. What cam? A big cam with lots of overlap will lower the number.
4. Did you check your pressure gauge against a known good gauge.

FYI my stock 77 360 had about 160 lbs with 100k on it.
 
Typically that would be on the low side but if they are all similar readings then maybe not.
Q.s
1. You pulled all the plugs, throttle wide open?
2. Gear reduction starter?
3. What cam? A big cam with lots of overlap will lower the number.
4. Did you check your pressure gauge against a known good gauge.

FYI my stock 77 360 had about 160 lbs with 100k on it.
I bought a brand new compression tester, the engine won't start so those readings are from just cranking, using a screwdriver on the starter relay...I have no idea of any of the engine specs...I'll be pulling it this weekend to clean it up and regasket. I may change the cam.
 
Try this squirt @10 cc oil in cylinder then test if it comes up then rings/cylinder wear. Stays the same do a leak down test to determine if valves.
 
If you pull the heads, measure how far down the hole the pistons are at tdc. The only way to get an idea of your compression ratio.
Edit: NOT intended as an insult, but are you sure it's a 360? Numbers on the side of the block with 360 as part of the number?
 
Sounds like he took the readings with the engine cold
He said it wouldn't start
Its a good sign that they are all within 5 of each other
Don't read too much into the numbers just yet
You have enough compression for the engine to fire and apparently no dead holes
Now look at the electrical
Check for spark
If that checks out check for fuel
 
Sounds like he took the readings with the engine cold
He said it wouldn't start
Its a good sign that they are all within 5 of each other
Don't read too much into the numbers just yet
You have enough compression for the engine to fire and apparently no dead holes
Now look at the electrical
Check for spark
If that checks out check for fuel
I've got fuel, no spark....I ended up basically ordering all new electrical for the engine compartment....starting fresh...dropping the motor, replacing everything, then start it. I know it runs smooth already.
 
Those numbers don't bother me. They're all plenty close. A stock 360 may not even be actual 8.0-1. Bigger cam will make numbers even lower.
Doug
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top