83 regal t-type compression limits
scoopy03
12-20-2007, 11:42 AM
i was wondering what are the compression limits for a turboed 3.8 engine. i tried to look online for results but no luck. i have also looked in a buick/olds/pontiac i have but still no luck. the reading was 125 psi on the gauge. just fyi the whole engine has been re-built new oil pump,pistons,rings,bearings,rods,refreshened valve springs. the engine seems to be turning over slowly and cranking hard. by the sounds of it, it sounds like the wrong pistons were put in it (maybe from a regular 3.8 instead)
maxwedge
12-20-2007, 04:09 PM
The compression will always read somewhat low if the engine cranks slowly, there is no way to use cranking compression to determine if the pistons are wrong there are too many variables, speak to the engine builder.
scoopy03
12-21-2007, 01:43 PM
anyways in regards to the compression reading what should it be? is it pretty much 100psi minimum for just every car?
maxwedge
12-21-2007, 03:21 PM
Yes. Only a shop manual or spec sheet can give you the " suggested" compression readings.
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