Honda Car Forum

Hi,

I had my mechanic check the compression on a 1997 Civic LX, he said
it's fine. when I picked up the car, I got the printed results: all 4
cylinders 160 psi (give or take 1 psi). The mechanic wasn't there, and
the cashier didn't know the spec values. From the message the mechanic
left on my voicemail I understand it''s OK, but I was just wondering
what those values should be for a good 1997 Civic LX Engine (i.e. when
it was new, and for a well taken care of engine).

Thanks

160PSI is a very good reading... I would think new wouldn't be much
higher. Don't think you have any problems there.

Professor
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chibitul wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I had my mechanic check the compression on a 1997 Civic LX, he said
> it's fine. when I picked up the car, I got the printed results: all 4
> cylinders 160 psi (give or take 1 psi). The mechanic wasn't there, and
> the cashier didn't know the spec values. From the message the mechanic
> left on my voicemail I understand it''s OK, but I was just wondering
> what those values should be for a good 1997 Civic LX Engine (i.e. when
> it was new, and for a well taken care of engine).
>
> Thanks

chibitul wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I had my mechanic check the compression on a 1997 Civic LX, he said
> it's fine. when I picked up the car, I got the printed results: all 4
> cylinders 160 psi (give or take 1 psi). The mechanic wasn't there, and
> the cashier didn't know the spec values. From the message the mechanic
> left on my voicemail I understand it''s OK, but I was just wondering
> what those values should be for a good 1997 Civic LX Engine (i.e. when
> it was new, and for a well taken care of engine).
>
> Thanks
>
why do you care? a lot of manufacturers don't even specify a
compression reading because it's too hard to get consistent numbers.
all the compression test is good for is measuring /relative/ differences
between cylinders as per a head gasket or burnt valve problem.

bottom line, you're lucky you have an honest mechanic. unscrupulous
ones would take your desire for such a test as an opportunity to
diagnose an "imminent problem" and relieve you of several thousand
dollars for a rebuild.

jim beam wrote:
> chibitul wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I had my mechanic check the compression on a 1997 Civic LX, he said
>> it's fine. when I picked up the car, I got the printed results: all 4
>> cylinders 160 psi (give or take 1 psi). The mechanic wasn't there, and
>> the cashier didn't know the spec values. From the message the mechanic
>> left on my voicemail I understand it''s OK, but I was just wondering
>> what those values should be for a good 1997 Civic LX Engine (i.e. when
>> it was new, and for a well taken care of engine).
>>
>> Thanks
>>
> why do you care? a lot of manufacturers don't even specify a
> compression reading because it's too hard to get consistent numbers. all
> the compression test is good for is measuring /relative/ differences
> between cylinders as per a head gasket or burnt valve problem.
>
> bottom line, you're lucky you have an honest mechanic. unscrupulous
> ones would take your desire for such a test as an opportunity to
> diagnose an "imminent problem" and relieve you of several thousand
> dollars for a rebuild.
>

oh, lemme go out to the garage and check...

184 psi nominal
135 minimum
no more than 28psi difference between cylinders.

isnt the internet great?