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Compression Issues

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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:02 PM
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Default Compression Issues

So as I was testing the problems on the truck, I drove it down the street with the lack of power problem being way worse now and heard a few backfires, but they werent that loud. So out of curiosity I ran another compression test after pulling a few plugs to check to see how it was running. They are white as always, so I do another compression test and find that half the cylinders on both banks have low compression. The gauge bounces up and down between 65 and 75 and when you cut the engine off the gauge holds steady at about 84. I am guessing this would probably mean valves right? I did pull the valve covers again and oil is coming up, rods look fine, and so do the springs. Doubt it is the lifters too. And just an assumption, if I was losing compression due to rings, I would have a steady low compression reading correct?
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:12 PM
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do a leak down test then you will know what needs attention.
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:53 PM
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Any idea where I can pick up the tester for it though?
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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Harbor frieght has it cheap
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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You can find the trouble without the leak down tester..just pull all the spark plugs and find a way to attach a air hose from a air compressor with about 75 psi air. With the piston at tdc listen for air leaks in the intake , crankcase and exhaust.
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 09:02 PM
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be careful when you put the air into the cylinders because the engine may turn. Keep yer hands away from anything that could move.
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 09:16 PM
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I thought about that but I would have to get a regulator anyway rather than just throw air into the cylinders and I would have a gauge to watch too.

Stupid question too, but does the damper have a mark on it or do I have to pull the valve covers and check the rockers for setting TDC on each cylinder?
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 10:02 PM
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The LS1 factory-style balancers do not have timing marks, the crankshafts do not have a keyway for the balancers like SBC/BBC have, so the blancers just go on in any position. The LS1 firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 according to the Haynes Repair Manual.
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 50chevy
The LS1 factory-style balancers do not have timing marks, the crankshafts do not have a keyway for the balancers like SBC/BBC have, so the blancers just go on in any position. The LS1 firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 according to the Haynes Repair Manual.
So how exactly would I get TDC?
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 06:51 AM
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remove #1 plug and insert a rubber tube or something relatively soft but large enough to stop the piston. Turn the crank clockwise till it stops (this is easier with all the plugs out) and mark the dampner with a pencil. Now turn the crank counterclockwise until it stops and mark that position. The midpoint between your two marks is TDC cyl #1. Mark that with a pemanent marker or paint as TDC. Now turn the crank clockwise 1/4 turn and mark each 1/4 turn as 2, 3, 4. This way you will have TDC for each set of pistons through the firing order.
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by DaddySS
remove #1 plug and insert a rubber tube or something relatively soft but large enough to stop the piston. Turn the crank clockwise till it stops (this is easier with all the plugs out) and mark the dampner with a pencil. Now turn the crank counterclockwise until it stops and mark that position. The midpoint between your two marks is TDC cyl #1. Mark that with a pemanent marker or paint as TDC. Now turn the crank clockwise 1/4 turn and mark each 1/4 turn as 2, 3, 4. This way you will have TDC for each set of pistons through the firing order.
Gonna try that. Thanks.
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