Mates '95 1.6 Carina (UK) - compression test results - what should i be looking at? We have no manual for it. He sprung a leak in the water system and since the oil level/pressure lights dont appear to be working it then proceeded to burn most of the oil in it until it started making unpleasant sounds and he pulled over. Its getting 145psi on every cyl with no oil and no smooth running. Just want to check the damage before deciding its fate.
The trick to interpreting compression test results is that every cylinder should be within about 10% of each other, which seems to be the case in your mates's Carina.
If it was run without oil, the likely cause of the noise is damaged crank and rod bearings. If the engine runs, check oil pressure - if it is low, look at the bearings. Start by draining the engine oil and look for shiny bearing material in the oil. If you see glittery stuff, time to drop the oil pan for a more thorough inspection of the bearings.
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