So I'm always looking for good spare engines for my 2 89 subarus, just because they seem to be hard to come by. I currently have one back up, but never hurts to have more. They are both wagons, both manuals non turbo, ones a gl and the other a dl.

 

I've purchased and installed a couple of motors for these, one I got an auction here at work and the other the guy just wanted to get rid of after he had a rebuilt put in that threw a rod, that is the one I just put and engine in.

Now both of these engines that I put in had "good compression" first one had 176k and 185-190 compression (I tested after it was put in and it was mores like 170-175) the second one I purchased and installed had 158k and a compression of 155 (tested after installation and that was the true compression).

 

I never noticed any difference between the 2 engines.

 

So now I've found one with 117k on it but the compression is 110-115. To me that sounds really low, I called them on it asked them if that was a cold compression or running compression, they said it was the running compression and that was how it tested on all 4.

 

My question obviously being, is that too low, or is it more important that the numbers run close to even? I love the idea of it only having 117k but fear the low comp numbers.

The eveness of the compression numbers is good. The low reading isn't.

 

With 117K on it, I wouldn't think rings or valve seats would be the cause, especially on all 4 cylinders. It is a possibility though.

 

I'm thinking the T-belts are off a few teeth. That would definetly throw the compression numbers off.

Along with the timing being off it could be a turbo engine which has less compression than a engine without turbo. I think a turbo engine has about 145 lbs normally.

Its a non turbo, the car belonged to a "aged" gentleman, who proooobably should have stopped driving 10 years ago, got confused reading a sign that said left turn, made a right, up on the curb and smacked into a light pole. He sold the car to the yard for some money and decided he didn't need to drive anymore since he didn't remember even leaving the house.

 

He bought it new in 89 and it was his daily driver (this is all info from my friend at the yard that has the car), clearly as a daily driver, he didn't drive far on any given day.

 

Its $350 for it, I'll think it over.

Well I've decided against buying it. That low of compression without knowing for sure why, or what kind of project I'd be undertaking to get it better, or even if I could fix it if I knew what it was.

 

If anybody is interested in it the town of Ephrata, about 16 miles from Moses Lake for those of you familiar with North Central Washington area. I can provide number if anyones interested.