Alright, so i just ran a compression test on my AEB 1.8T, disconnected the injectors and did it WOT when it was hot, i got exactly 120 psi (on my gauge and the neighbors) across the board, there was maybe 1-2psi difference between each. So ive heard that the most important thing is if each cylinder is near the other, but 120 is real low. I did this because I was thinking of getting chipped, but with such low numbers now im not going to. Im wondering how serious these low numbers are, is the engine on its way out, it runs fine but is it a ticking time bomb now or what, or is it just not gonna give me the power but keep running fine? about 145,000 miles, original turbo (meaning i dont think the previous owners were too hard on it). Thanks

Im basing my worry off writeups that said it should be at least 140 psi, but when im looking in my bently manual it says New= 10-13 BAR (145-188 psi) and it says the wear limit is 7 BAR (101 psi).. So now i really dont know what the numbers mean.

 

144psi per cylinder, and all within 10% of each other, is the low limit that audi says is ok. lower and you have problems. how good were the gauges you used? before doing major work i would bring it to a garage and pay them $20 to confirm those numbers. if they are correct, im suprised they are that close together across the cylinders. you should also have a leakdown test done while at the mechanic and post the results here. either your piston rings are wearing down or your valves arent sealing well anymore. i would also be worried with those numbers.

 

wow thats low, it actually scared me since I will be checking mine again soon but about a year ago at 95k miles I had the perfect 180 in each cyl.

 

Did you pull all the spark plugs out when you did the test and after you did the first test did you put a little oil into the cylinder to see if the psi goes up?

You will most likely need to do a leak down test to see what might be causing the low compression reading.

Your CR should be around 185-190 at sea level, slightly lower as you go up in elevation. That 120 CR would put you under 8:1.

 

Thanks for everyones replies, Its an Innova OHC http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Sp...ion_tester.htm just like this one. I removed all the spark plugs and disconnected all injectors along with the fuses, WOT. I used the extension it came with and no adapter it threaded on just fine, hand tight just like it says. I dont remember the brand of the other gauge. If keep trying to diagnose this myself a little, lets say i pour oil in the cylinder and my numbers dont rise, would seafoaming help the valves then possibly or is it possible the carbon is holding my engine together? Anyway I can tell by what kind of performance numbers im getting say 0-60 or 1/4 mile time? I mean it doesnt really feel doggy or anything (at least compared to when i got it, its felt the same the whole time and i got it at like 125,000 or so i think its at 145,000 now)

Otherwise ill prolly end up doing what ghost suggested and having a garage look at it.

 

Need to have a leak down test done so you can see if its the rings or valves that are leaking.