would you buy a 2.2 with 170 on all four? whats best around 190?

If the price is right. It's very hard to get a good compression test unless the engine is running.

 

It should be up to temp, full charged battery, all plugs removed, throttle wide open and then each cyc checked.

 

It's good that they are all the same, if the plugs look good and the coolant overflow does not show signs of HG failure, I'd have no problem with 170.

 

If you are not at sea level that will make a difference as well. 6200' in Colorado Springs, CO 170 is good

its at a junkyard ive bought motors from before they test and pull for $500 probably will work hopefully

would you buy a 2.2 with 170 on all four? whats best around 190?

Compression pressure depends on several factors. Earlier EJ22 engines had 9.5:1 compression ratio, later (starting MY '97) went to 9.7:1. As Larry pointed out, altitude also makes a difference. If you're at 1/2 mile up in Tieton, WA, then 170 psi all around probably indicates a healthy engine, at least in that respect.

i think were at 1500 ft and its a 96 2.2 i want to put in 98 obw

anymore info?most of the motors i've bought from there before were in the 185-190 range

Edited October 15, 200916 yr by mountain brat

anymore info?most of the motors i've bought from there before were in the 185-190 range

If those other engines were of the same compression ratio and tested identically, then perhaps this one is a little ''tired''. Since the compression readings are even, it's more likely that being lower would be due to ring wear rather than valve problems. If a ''wet'' compression test is done, and the numbers come up significantly, it could confirm ring-sealing problems.