RB25DET compression question

Discuss the RB20, RB25 and RB26 series engines.
THE240guy
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:03 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan 240sx RB25DET s2 (CURRENT)
1992 Nissan 240sx SR20DET - SOLD
1984 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1987 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1988 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1991 Nissan 240sx SR20DET - SOLD

Post

Hey guys looking for some reassurance. I bought a 1996 240sx SE with a swapped RB25DET series 2 over the weekend. I am just going through the car making sure all is good. I did a compression test on it and my finding were 150psi across the board except cylinder 4 which had 175psi. I took my borescope and looked inside all cylinders and all looked good. Any thoughts on the one cylinder having 25psi more then all others? Should i be concerned at all? Thanks in advance!


User avatar
VStar650CL
Technical Expert
Posts: 11960
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 1:25 pm
Car: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Post

Standard compression on the RB25DET was 175, so #4 isn't necessarily high, the other 5 cylinders are low. They're still above minimum (130.5) but the 25 psi differential is way past spec, maximum variance between cylinders is 14.5. First thing I'd do is repeat the test wet-dry and confirm that the #4 reading isn't an artifact. If it isn't, how does the crown on #4 look compared to the others? Carbon buildup due to an injector or ignition issue can drive up compression on an individual cylinder.

THE240guy
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:03 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan 240sx RB25DET s2 (CURRENT)
1992 Nissan 240sx SR20DET - SOLD
1984 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1987 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1988 Nissan 300zx Turbo - SOLD
1991 Nissan 240sx SR20DET - SOLD

Post

@VStar650CL Thanks for the reply. I will clean everything and try again. The only thing i didn't really like was 25psi variance between #4 and the rest. I wasn't disappointed in the 150psi but will try the test again in hopes of a bit different reading. My plan is to run it on stock turbo a little higher than stock boost with intake manifold, intercooler, injectors and exhaust for the rest of the year then pull the motor and build it for next year.


Return to “RB20DET / RB25DET / RB26DETT Forum”