Re: Why is compression so low?

Also if the engine has NEVER fired, the rings may not have seated yet. try a compression test "wet" if it is still low I'd suspect that Brent is on the right track.

nate

(alt.autos.honda deleted because teranews doesn't carry it apparently)

I'm with Brent - recheck the valve timing (the timing marks on the cam pulleys compared with TDC). I bet you will find it at least one tooth off.

In the original thread I saw you set the ignition timing by eyeball on the distributor, but you will need a timing light to get it close enough to run right... maybe even to run at all. First check the valve timing by the marks. When the valve timing is right the distributor should go right back where it was originally and it should be good.

Mike

That can happen when the timing belt or chain is installed. If the timing isn't right the valves don't close at the right times to get full compression.

If the rings are no good or won't seat, that can blow the compression out too. You can try a spoonful of oil into the plug hole just before testing the compression again. If the compression comes up, you have faulty rings, if not, look to the valve timing.

Mike