Compression Test Failed ??

[prevost3000]

Hi. I am new to the Mercedes World.

I bought a 89 190E 2.6 automatic from an auction. It shows 194,000 on the odometer. I started it and drove it about 4 miles then it overheated. I had it towed home. It was hard to start and cranked a long time. It died at all intersections unless I put it in N.

Did a dry compression test and here it is:
1. 45
2. 45
3. 40
4. 5
5. 20
6. 150

I would love for one of you benzers to tell me that it is a cracked head and the lower end of the engine is fine. When it did run, it did not chatter and rattle and knock from the motor. None of the fluids were mixed at all. It was smooth. When it ran, there was bluish smoke puffing from the tailpipe, not alot, just noticable. I replaced the spark plugs, they were ugly. I put some ATF in the cylinder before each plug to aid in compression. I couldn't get it to start today. It just cranks and an occasional puff is heard, but no startup. HELP.

[player89]

Just from what you described my gut feeling is that the rings are not in too good of shape, but what might be affecting the compression just as much is some burnt valves. If the ATF didn't help boost the numbers on the compression test, a valve job may help get it running a little better, perhaps driveable, anyway.