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Low compression questions.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Akruspe, Jun 5, 2021.

  1. Jun 5, 2021 at 7:40 AM
    #1
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I have been trying to diagnose my truck. I have an 02 3.4l that has a CEL for p0305 and p0300 also p0420 and p0505. I tested compression and have 60 psi in 5 about 64 in cyl 2 and 120 in 4 the rest are around 180. The misfire is very minor. The truck still runs and idles fine. The only issue with the idle is when I start it cold motor it idles low like the engine is warmed up. Then once it warms up it idles a little higher which is weird but I doesn't idle or start rough or anything. Where should I go now with trying to figure this out?
     
  2. Jun 5, 2021 at 7:41 AM
    #2
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Also I have already done new plugs wires and coils. Problem still persists.
     
  3. Jun 5, 2021 at 7:43 AM
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    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    take off the valve covers and check valve clearances. If all ok there do a cylinder leak down test to pinpoint where the air is going.
     
    TacoJoeBro likes this.
  4. Jun 5, 2021 at 7:52 AM
    #4
    TacoJoeBro

    TacoJoeBro Well-Known Member

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    How many miles on your truck? low compression could be a few different things. Piston rings, valve adjustment, head gasket, cracked or warped head, etc.
    Give the low reading cylinders a squirt of oil and test again. If the reading is higher than before, possibly piston rings. If it's valves or gasket, reading won't change.
     
  5. Jun 5, 2021 at 7:54 AM
    #5
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have 204k right now. And if I have 60psi is cyl. 2 and cyl. 4 is also low at 120psi wouldn't that most likely be leaky head gasket between the 2.
     
  6. Jun 5, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #6
    TacoJoeBro

    TacoJoeBro Well-Known Member

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    Completely possible, unless I misunderstood, you also mentioned low on cyl 5 also. Opposite side, maybe coincidence. If only 2 and 4, I would definitely suspect head gasket. I would try a leakdown test at this point.
    You can also test antifreeze for combustion gasses. ( would verify head gasket) however, leak between cylinders may not contaminate coolant if it's not near coolant passage.
    Ever have valve adjustment?
     
  7. Jun 5, 2021 at 8:03 AM
    #7
    TacoJoeBro

    TacoJoeBro Well-Known Member

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    solid advice here. Would help eliminate valve adjustment being the cause
     
  8. Jun 5, 2021 at 8:06 AM
    #8
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok yeah you are right cyl 5 and 2 both have about 60 psi but 4 next to 2 is also low at 120
     
  9. Jun 5, 2021 at 8:08 AM
    #9
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    And I don't know if the valves ever had adjustment I bought the truck from my uncle who is not knowledgeable in anything vehicle related. I doubt he ever had it done.
     
  10. Jun 11, 2021 at 4:17 AM
    #10
    Akruspe

    Akruspe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I have an update I have done a second and third compression test and dripped oil down the low cyl. And the results were the same. So best bet would be valves then?
     
  11. Jun 11, 2021 at 4:51 AM
    #11
    Wsidr1

    Wsidr1 Well-Known Member

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    I would. It's a likely source of loss of compression and it could save you a lot of time and money vs thinking you need a head gasket, when maybe you don't.
     

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