ca18det experts...I NEED YOUR HELP !

[dsilvia89]

alright... so i am at the stage where it is time to upgrade turbo,injectors,ecu,maf all the fun stuff...so game plan was to compression test before to make sure im not building an engine that when spring time comes wont start...so heres what went down...

-dry test first-engine at normal running temp
-remove all 4 spark plugs and coil packs (noticed the 1st coilpack is pooched)- ground all 4 to the block
-hold throttle fully open
-turn key
-i get 125 psi across all 4

wet test at normal running temp
-ground all 4 again
-hold throttle open again
-turn key again
i get 150 on the first 2 cylinders and when i go to test the 3rd it wont read anything, just bounces off and on 0.
-same thing happened on the 4th

white smoke also came out of i believe the 2nd cyclinder when i did the wet test on cyclinder #3---this is just because i put a little oil in there?


i need to figure this out guys. i am no expert, the extent of my work on this car was swapping out the non turbod engine and in with the ca18det + fmic...body work yadda yadda so im not a total noob...only when it comes to the inside of the engine i am totally stumped.


ps im working by myself so is there possibilites they arent grounding right?
i mean i am grounding all 4 coils and plugs down, while holding open throttle, watching the tester and turning the key...


Thanks in advice to anyone who tries to help me, i appreciate it!!

[dsilvia89]

also should add, i did take the fuel pump fuse out when i did these compression tests...

[sjbsuperman1425]

wet compression tests just destroys your expensive compression gauge..so you should try and not do that..

the 125psi is low compression and you probably should rebuild...thats what I would do anyway.

[boost_boy]

Honestly, I think your compression tester was just a bit pissed-off. I think your compression is prbably higher than the 125psi you started out with, but if you're in no rush to use the engine, just give it a nice rebuild. It's nothing like starting off fresh with a refreshened engine, especially if you're thinking of upgrading components.

[dsilvia89]

i will be needing to drive this engine probably withiin 2 months. probably not enough time to rebuild..myself anyway.

when i bought the engine i was told the compression was 175 or so across the board. so ya i think it was probably the tester. probably gunna put my parts on ...rip it this year and next winter do a very clean rebuild/build. thankyou for the confrmation boost_boy. i was hoping youd reply haha,

[float_6969]

Yea, I would suspect the gauge. Usually if you have worn rings/head gasket/valve sealing problems, the compression numbers won't have such little variance like yours does.

If the motor seems to run alright and doesn't smoke, I think you're good for upgrades.

[s13drifter88]

you my friend have an upset gauge. if your comp numbers were truly off that much then it either (A) wouldnt run or (B) would barely run but wouldnt pull itself out of your driveway. either way, bolt your new turbo on and (hoping you have proper fuel/maf/managment) boost the ever-loving-sh*t out of it. enjoy and send me some power numbers

[dsilvia89]

definately will reply to this with numbers and pictures once shes back on the road and giving er hell everywhere! thanks everyone !