strange compression issue 1987 ka24de

[keyfactor5]

Hi Y'allThis is my first post here, so be kind. I searched the forum for everything I could using the keywords Low compression. found nothing that covers my problem. so here goes....The other morning my wife came in and said her car wouldn't start. Went out listened to it crank, and it had the classic broken timing belt sound (at the time didn't know they have chains not belts) so having several other crisis' to deal with at the time I had her take the subaru and I forgot about it for a couple of days. After my initial investigation this is what I know:1) apparently ran fine up until the no start only has 60K miles2) looked in oil fill could see cams turning, no bad noises3) did compression check All four cyl read 50 pounds (now know i need to have WOT but still 50 instead of 150?)4) number four had oil in the spark plug well think this is a red herring, suspect bad seal on valve cover of course oil is now in the cyl still had no effect on the pressure5) Cam chains and timing chain all appear to be intact and all guides and tensioners look ok.6) no oil in water and vice versa7) there are no codes, no check engine lightany clues?Thanks

Modified by keyfactor5 at 9:15 PM 10/26/20099
Modified by keyfactor5 at 9:49 PM 10/26/2009

[wade001]

I'm no expert but I'll give my 2c.it doesn't sound like a bad head gasket because it's very unlikely it would cause all of the cylinders to have low comp, same with piston rings or seals. you said it sounded like the timing belt temperarily went so i'll ask if you checked the timing belt for proper crankshaft and camshaft alignment. if it moved one of your valves on all the cylinders could be open on the compression stroke thus giving such little compression.