compression test results???

Ok, so the car has been burning about a qt of oil every 500-600 miles, talked with dad and he said a compression test may tell whats up, did test today and all but 1 came in within the 20 psi the book calls for, #8 was at 70 psi, down from the 115 psi from the test when i purchased her 3 years ago. soo here are the questions:

- Does that mean the piston rings are shot?
- Can you just remove the top or bottom to remove/replace rings?
- is it a full engine removal job?

You're talking about the '66 right? If so sounds like a good winter project, maybe clean her up real nice, as it isn't all that tough to pull the 289 out. Wish I could help, I'd love to get involved with something like that over the winter time.......beer, wrenches, greese, and vintage horsepower...........

To answer your question though, if I was doing it I'd pull it with a piston job like that even if you might be able to get away with it otherwise, besides you can check out other stuff that might be wearing and ready for refreshing as well. Do it all right the first time IMO.....Good Luck

Full engine removal is required. however the compression test will tell you have a problem, it could be other things, like valves not seating, and heads needing an overhaul.

I have an engine hoist and an extra engine stand. I also have a hone that we can bust the glaze off. I have mic's and pretty much all the tools to see whats needed.

Will

How is it running? Try sqiurting about a tablespoon of oil in the low cylinder and see if the compression comes up. If it does, you have a ring problem. If not, as Will said, it could be a valve train problem. Bad valve seals can also cause oil consumption. Does it smoke, if so when?

PRO50SC wrote:How is it running? Try sqiurting about a tablespoon of oil in the low cylinder and see if the compression comes up. If it does, you have a ring problem. If not, as Will said, it could be a valve train problem. Bad valve seals can also cause oil consumption. Does it smoke, if so when?

very little smoke on cold startup only, i think thast mostly from being cold???

runs good/great, havent noticed any change in how she runs at all...will try the oil squirting and see what it shows, thx all

TT_05_Stang wrote:Full engine removal is required. however the compression test will tell you have a problem, it could be other things, like valves not seating, and heads needing an overhaul.

I have an engine hoist and an extra engine stand. I also have a hone that we can bust the glaze off. I have mic's and pretty much all the tools to see whats needed.

Will

how dif is it to pull it if i wish to go that direction? weekend project or winter project?

Juan, honestly if it's running fine, I would leave it alone. The smoke on cold start up, is it blue? If so, that's a valve seal issue.

PRO50SC wrote:Juan, honestly if it's running fine, I would leave it alone. The smoke on cold start up, is it blue? If so, that's a valve seal issue.

nah, normal color white/grayish then gone...

Have you pulled the plugs, what do they look like? Any of then oil fouled?

#8 plug, low cylinder, had oil moisture on it, others were dry with some build up on them, points look good on all

Slam a new set of plugs and let it eat!

PRO50SC wrote:Slam a new set of plugs and let it eat!

does that mean new plugs + 1 qt oil when needed = a '66 coupe....

LOL yes :duu:

I will keep an eye on any smoke or change in how she runs and will come runnig back here for more info if needed, thx