hello i just did a compression test on my 1988 camaro 305 v-8.i would like to know if somebody can give me a quick diagnosis this is what i got #1 cylinder 0 psi,#2 185,#3 180,#4 130,#5 180,#6 170,#7 180,#8 180 psi,any help would be greatly appreciated.:hail:

 

#1 burnt valve
#4 rings leaking, maybe valves leaking

 

0 on #1? One or both valves would have to be stuck open, the piston isn't moving or you didn't get the gauge on properly to get that kind of reading. #1 on 3rd gens is hard to get to. That may be the problem. #4's reading, if accurate, could be bad rings or serverly worn valve guide.

 

I would retest Piston 1 just to make sure it is zero. I would also try to use SEAFOAM in pison #4. If it is the piston ring it will help recondition the seal. When I got my car the highest compression in any cylinder was about 120 with the low at 55. I reconditioned all the pistons with seafoam and now the lowest is around 160 and some are around 185+

 

seafoam?hope you dont say stuff found on ocean surf sorry never heard of it could someone tell me what is and where i can find it?as for my original reading of 0 psi on #1 cylinder i was wrong lost o-ring off tester doh lol .as for #4 cylinder got compression up to 150 psi couple squirts of oil in plug hole does that mean its rings?everybody thank you for your help with my ongoing hell with my 1988 camaro that i bought for $900

 

You can get Seafoam at Napa. You could also go to GM and ask for some "Top Engine Cleaner". The Seafoam is a lot cheaper. I've never used it before, I've only used the TEC from GM.

 

I got my seafoam from a local family owned auto shop...you should be able to find it if you look around. Good stuff.