There is nothing wrong with the compression.  No chance that the
cam is warn, and causing this.  It is possible you put the cam
in, timed one tooth off? 17-20 mpg's isn't bad. Lots can effect
this. Like cold weather.   Waht makes you thing to power is low?

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Fri, 12 Nov 2004, Don Williams wrote:

> I did an overhaul this past summer on an 84 1.9 waterboxer engine. I
> won't go through all the problems that i had with the overhaul, but I
> will tell you this (and I need help on it). I have 100 pounds of
> compression in each cylinder and I went from 20 MPG to 17 MPG. It seems
> to run like a charm but is gutless. I had someone do a leakdown test
> and he said it was as good as a racing engine that was professionally
> overhauled. I replaced the main and rod bearings, pistons and cylinders
> and lifters, but did not replace the camshaft. Is it likely that my low
> compression is due to the worn camshaft? How can compression be so low
> and it runs so well. Since I intend to be buried in the vehicle (with a
> waterboxer in it!!!) I am not opposed to taking the engine out and
> replacing the camshaft, but I would like some thoughts on whether that
> makes sense??? Am I an idiot or what????
> As a separate item, and this shows you the extent to which I am hooked,
> I would like to pick up a 1.9 or 2.1 engine and overhaul it at my
> leisure. Will a 2.1 engine fit into my 85 westy, and how much should I
> pay for a core???
> Thanks for the help
>