Low compression 3.3L

[rum runner]

1992 120,000 miles 3.3L V-6

I have low compression in 2 cylinders. Is this common on these engines? Would the head gasket be the first thing to look at? Do the ring packs get sludge and freeze up? What about valve problems?? Engine has had regular up-keep.

Thanks

[GTP Dad]

Low compression can be caused by a lot of things. Like you stated it could be a bad head gasket, bent or burnt valves, stuck rings and etc. If the cylinders are side by side I would suspect a bad head gasket. If they are on opposite sides of the engine it could be any number of things but I would suspect valve issues. The only way to know for sure it to pull the head and look inside the cylinders. If you have a bore camera or have access to one you can do an internal inspection without removing the head. It will tell you if you have burnt or sticking valves and you can examine the cylinder walls otherwise a teardown may be your only option.

[rum runner]

Thank you