Bad compression

[pckopp]

Newly arrived 79 Special with 20K miles. It has not been treated well.

Compression left is 102, right is 65. Ouch.

My next step is to check the valves.

After that?

Thanks.

 

[scabber]

I would do a leakdown test it will tell where your compression is going. Is it a running bike.

 

[pckopp]

Is it a running bike.

No. Just put a fresh battery in to spin it for a compression test.

 

[fredintoon]

Hi Phil,
how long was it parked? Can you get it running?
A bike that's been parked for some years and shows low compression numbers can sometimes fix itself when it's run for a while.
I'd suggest that you put a hundred miles or so on the bike and re-check the compression before getting medieval on the engine.

 

[pckopp]

how long was it parked? Can you get it running?

At least a year, maybe two. What gas there was in the tank smelled awful!
I installed a fresh battery, drained the tank and put in fresh gas. Not a single pop when using the starter. I tried starter fluid and still no joy.

I will make sure there is gas and spark next. And check the valves.

On the good side, the oil looks reasonably decent.