[Ryan_65Stallion]

Ok, so I've done an cylinder compression test and have got numbers between 65(lowest)-110(highest) PSI which is way to low(I found engine specs here... Ford 289 Engine Specs);
Cylinder/Compression PSI
#1/95
#2/105
#3/102
#4/110
#5/80
#6/65
#7/105
#8/110
So which leads me next to have a leak down test done.
I've been reading up on what could cause low compression and found;
"A cylinder that has poor compression, but minimal leakage, usually has a valvetrain problem such as a worn cam lobe, broken valve spring, collapsed lifter, bent push rod, etc." -Leak Down Test, yahoo!auto's
So it could be a multitude of problems. Its just figuring out which one. I have a feeling it could be the cam or the timing chain might be of a tooth or 2.
I tried to find a leak down tester but no one sells them.
Does anyone know of a good reasonable place to take it to get one?
And if its a valve timing problem, bad cam lobe, or broken valve spring would it be easy to fix myself?

[12second5.0]

Sounds like you have bigger issues,Ryan. This would also explain the 122 rwhp........

[Ryan_65Stallion]

Originally Posted by 12second5.0

Sounds like you have bigger issues,Ryan. This would also explain the 122 rwhp........

Yeah.
What do you think it could be?
I'm sure its not a bent rod otherwise I would have heard it already.

[racer99]

Sounds like its plain worn out.
Ring seal,or valve seal are non existant
or so it seems.A bad lobe would only affect
1 cylinder.
Did you do the compression test the right way?
Dry. then shoot some oil in the plug hole and redo it.
Does it pick up any cranking pressure?
Seeings how its all 8 cylinders I would think either rings,
excessive bore wear,or valve seal is gone(valve job at best
or heads at worst).
Does it still have the original heads on it?If so I would bet the
exhaust seats are gone unless someone put hardened seats in them.

[H0SS302]

whens the last time your motor was rebuilt? tear it down have the cylinder walls cleaned up and rebuild it. this could also give you a chance to add some better internals, im sure those are worn to shit to.

[96greengt]

Damn, I knew this thread was coming, I even predicted it last night.


I am with Larry on this.. you and your car have issues. Thought your dad was the Jedi master on cars... why can't he assist you??

[timpryor]

Its the alternator

[96greengt]

Originally Posted by timpryor

Its the alternator

Or a short !! lmao

[Agent Jones]

Originally Posted by 96greengt

Damn, I knew this thread was coming, I even predicted it last night.


I am with Larry on this.. you and your car have issues. Thought your dad was the Jedi master on cars... why can't he assist you??

LMAO

Originally Posted by timpryor

Its the alternator

x2

[Ryan_65Stallion]

Originally Posted by racer99

Sounds like its plain worn out.
Ring seal,or valve seal are non existant
or so it seems.A bad lobe would only affect
1 cylinder.
Did you do the compression test the right way?
Dry. then shoot some oil in the plug hole and redo it.
Does it pick up any cranking pressure?
Seeings how its all 8 cylinders I would think either rings,
excessive bore wear,or valve seal is gone(valve job at best
or heads at worst).
Does it still have the original heads on it?If so I would bet the
exhaust seats are gone unless someone put hardened seats in them.

Never done a compression test before but I don't think I did it wrong.
One plug hole at a time, dry. and I did each one 2 to make sure I was getting correct numbers. Yes, it has the original 289 heads on it still.
So if it was the valves would I better better off not messing with the cast iron heads and just get a used set of better heads?
Would a leak down test tell me if it's the valves or bore? I don't want to buy a set of heads and it end up being worn bores.

Originally Posted by H0SS302

whens the last time your motor was rebuilt? tear it down have the cylinder walls cleaned up and rebuild it. this could also give you a chance to add some better internals, im sure those are worn to shit to.

no idea.
I could tear it down and rebuild it but whats the point if the bores are worn or the valves are bad? I wish I had the extra cash to put internals also but don't right now.


I think I might just look into buying a short block, I'm finding plenty of 302's on craiglist for a $100 or so.
Or find a set of e7's or better.

[Ryan_65Stallion]

can you guys not post unless you have some helpful info

[12second5.0]

Ryan, it looks like the engine is wore out. Instead of wasting excessive dollars trying to patch something you just need to rebuild it.

[Ryan_65Stallion]

Originally Posted by 12second5.0

Ryan, it looks like the engine is wore out. Instead of wasting excessive dollars trying to patch something you just need to rebuild it.

K, I was looking for someone to make a defeinate answer. You think I should get this engine? all it needs it timing chain cover and balancer which isn't to much.
This would save me money and I would have more power than the 289
Ford 302. 5.0 short block
And I could install it myself, my uncle has an engine lift.

[thatdavidkid]

doesn't look bad, but you'd swap your 289 timing cover and oil pan anyway... and a balancer is $50 at any engine shop.

[Ryan_65Stallion]

Originally Posted by thatdavidkid

doesn't look bad, but you'd swap your 289 timing cover and oil pan anyway... and a balancer is $50 at any engine shop.

yeah, it'll save me a lot of money from a rebuild, and I'll have more power.
my 289 cover will fit on this late model of a 302?

and this motor is from Texas Motor Sports, I called today when I saw the ad and left them a message. So hopefully they call back and I can get it.

[T5killa]

why don't you just pm thesource he's the one that listed it?

[Ryan_65Stallion]

Originally Posted by T5killa

why don't you just pm thesource he's the one with that listed that on craigslist.?

oh, well I would have already if I would have known . Thanks for info though!

[04Roush2]

needs a tune

[Ryan_65Stallion]

no bs post!

[d4rkpri35t]

Originally Posted by 04Roush2

needs a tune

Yeah a simple tune and you can do this!