Compression

[maury]

This past year, I brought back to life a '76 LTD with 5,400 miles on it. When I first got the bike to where I could do a compression test all cylinders were at 95psi. So in asking about that on this and other forums, most advice was just ride it and the rings will seat, etc, etc. So now I've put 500 miles on the bike. It starts, idles, runs fantastic. Compression check today........ 95 psi all cylinders.
On top of that I found/bought a '75 GL with (I swear) 5,400 miles on it. The license plate expired in 1978 and the gas was left in the carbs/tank - turned to yellow glue. So..... carbs rebuilt, etc and today I actually started it. Runs - fantastic.
Compression check........... 95psi every cylinder (just like the '76). I even tried another gauge and the reading are the same.
Yes....... the choke is set correctly, the throttle is wide open, battery is good. Randakk makes a comment about the length of the test gauge hoses....... hmmm. I am checking a cold engine though.
Anyway, the bikes run great and I'm not doing a thing to them.
Curious about others with the same findings, comments, etc.

[CYBORG]

I would use a compression test to confirm the cause of a problem. You state the bike runs great. So why do you care what the compression is?

[maury]

Well, I thought it was a sign that the engine has a problem. I'm just trying to stay ahead of the curve if there's something I should look at / adjust / etc. That's all.

[ericheath]

Might want to try a different gauge, or test yours against a known good one?

[maury]

As I stated in my first post, I did use a second gauge. Same readings.

[RB]

recheck the valves, but all at 95 doesn't make sense that all have the exact same issue..unless all the valves set to the same wrong value?????? Are you checking the compression with all the plugs out?? Shouldn't be a deal breaker but a thought.

[robin1731]

Runs good. Ride it.

Or if you want to check something else do a leakdown.
.

[maury]

I did recheck the valves and they are dead on. I have not done a leakdown........ yet.
Yeah ...... "Runs good. Ride it"

[JSBail]

Unless you're a perfectionist and insist your engine runs as efficiently as possible (nothing wrong with that by the way) then I wouldn't loose any sleep over the 95 compression especially if you're pleased with how it runs as it is. I probably already mentioned this but my 83 was locked up when I first got it due to water getting into the cylinders from setting outside too long. I was able to free it up without tearing the engine down and of course compression was initially dismal but it did substantially improve the more I rode it. Right now it's at about 90 to 100 psi on all 4 clys and that's about as good as it's going to get as it is but it runs good, doesn't burn oil and has plenty of power to handle the weight of my wife and I and bike fully loaded for a long road trip. As long as the engine continues to run the way it is then I'm not touching it other than normal preventive maintenance.

[maury]

Unless you're a perfectionist and insist your engine runs as efficiently as possible (nothing wrong with that by the way) then I wouldn't loose any sleep over the 95 compression especially if you're pleased with how it runs as it is. I probably already mentioned this but my 83 was locked up when I first got it due to water getting into the cylinders from setting outside too long. I was able to free it up without tearing the engine down and of course compression was initially dismal but it did substantially improve the more I rode it. Right now it's at about 90 to 100 psi on all 4 clys and that's about as good as it's going to get as it is but it runs good, doesn't burn oil and has plenty of power to handle the weight of my wife and I and bike fully loaded for a long road trip. As long as the engine continues to run the way it is then I'm not touching it other than normal preventive maintenance.

I appreciate the feedback.........