That is the only thing that makes sense to me too. I guess on the bright side, the bottom end (rings) are probably good and won't need to be torn down? Guess we won't really know for certain until it's pulled and opened up.

Any idea what could have caused the leaks in the top end? I assembled the bottom end and paid a trusted machine shop to build the heads with new valve seals, springs, guides, etc. specifically so I wouldn't mess it up lol.

 

I have used BonamIa Clenzer to reduce Blow Bye

 

At least pulling the valve covers and visually inspecting the top of the heads is a pretty simple matter. There may be nothing readily apparent, but then again...

 

Good point. I did actually pull the driver's valve cover when my valve cover seal blew out last week during this whole mess. I didn't notice anything obvious, but I also wasn't inspecting for an issue

 

I agree with @gametech that 195 compression with 75% leak down is implausible. I have always struggled with leak down tests, forgetting steps, having the piston shoot down, getting a defective tester, etc.
As mentioned, tests are best done with valve covers off. When valves are completely closed you should be able to wiggle the rocker back and forth a bit.
We look forward to updates and hopefully hearing of your success.

 

The leakage percentage may not be totally accurate. In all fairness, I am using an amazon test kit, not a snapon/matco/etc. However, its all relative. It was extremely obvious that 4 of the cylinders were sealed tight and 4 were not. Again, same method used on all cylinders to verify TDC. As gametech and I discussed before, there could be a chance the compression is good (good rings), but the leakage is in the valvetrain??

 

OK, Listen to each port and fill that cylinder at TCD Compression.

 

What do you mean exactly? Is this not what a Leakdown test is? I put each cylinder at TDC, pump it up via the regulator, record leak percentage, and also note where the air noise is coming from

 

Good compression requires both good rings and very good valve sealing. I've seen e.g. a bent valve give me Zero compression.
I went through 3 Amazon leakage testers before I found one that worked properly.
But lets assume that your leakage values are correct, then...
Perhaps one of the more experienced engine builders could chime on whether good compression -OR- poor leakage is more likely an indicator of valve or ring problems.

 

Yeah I would definitely be interested to hear from others any thoughts on how plausible this is. I am fairly certain there is an internal issue going on beyond the tune...

 

I invented the MODERN heart pump,(noweese)
I invented the MODERN heart Valve, a cows heart valve.
YES, there is a "whisper" from the port>
Nist certified.
YOU ASKED THE QUESTIOND!
I was taught this by John Drake!
We here TRY to hel P!

 

Am I the only one who thinks maybe Lance had a stroke sometime in the last few years?

 

makes sense

 

I think he gets a bit miffed when it seems he's getting ignored around here.
I talked with him on the phone recently and he sounded fine.
He thinks along different lines than most of us. and so might not get some points across as they are intended.

 

I was just wondering. The posts seem to get more vague and cryptic as time goes by.

 

Well I talked with a reputable LS builder/tuner in my area who is gonna get me all squared away hopefully. I will bring him the engine on Monday for an inspection. Hopefully it is just and issue in the top end. He’ll throw it on his dyno and verify the tune before giving it back. I’ll update soon! Thanks for all the help so far