Maybe just stating the obvious, but:

The first time I did a compression test, I failed to let the engine turn
over an adequate number of times.  I ran the starter as I normally do when
starting the engine: just a couple engine revolutions.  I eventually learned
it takes a few turns of the key to build the pressure up to 150 psi (my
current readings).  Also, I can only hand tighten my tester into the
cylinder, so I might have some loses there.

James Wagner
85 Vanagon Westy GL

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Joel D Shortlidge
> Sent: Friday, December 10, 1999 11:11 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Shaft and compression
>
>
> Hey Volks,
>         Well my brother got back the shaft for his Syncro
> from the drive line
> place!  It was balanced with washers and had new U-joints
> installed. It
> was $198 but it has a 90 day guarantee.
>         Also my brother tested the compression on his '87
> Syncro.  He followed
> all the directions for the tester and it read 90 psi, 90psi, 80,
> 84!!!!!!!  he got these same #'s three times!  No wonder it
> is so %#%$%#@
>  SLOW!!!  I can't belive it even RUNS!!!  The BIG book says between
> 184psi and 140 MIN!!  This engine block has 150,000 miles on
> it, it was
> rebuilt professionaly by a local VW guru 40,000 miles ago!
> It does not
> burn a drop of oil or coolant and starts and runs fine!  It
> just doesn't
> have any real power, but it will do 70 mph on a flat away.  So what do
> you think? valves? rings? bad reading?
>         I will e-mail once the shaft is installed.
>
> PS. E-mail me directly I am off the list right now!
>
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