Compression low in one cylinder

[Tara L]

Hi,

We have recently bought a K11 2003 Micra, and though it was running fine we wanted to do a compression test just to see what was happening.

The readings in the cylinders right to left were: 11.5, 12, 11, 12. We retested the third cylinder and it dropped to 10. The haynes manual recommended adding a bit of oil and retesting it, so did that and it jumped to 14, which the manual says indicates bore or piston wear?

We replaced the plugs anyway, as the old ones we a bit sooty so it could be running rich as well?

Any thoughts of if it's serious or will it be ok?

Thanks

Tara

 

[frank]

sounds fine to me tara, how sooty ? any pics ?

 

[Tara L]

Thanks Frank, there's a photo here:

http://www.team2ndattempt.com/images/3.jpg

Also snapped the coil pack bolt doing it up so have to find another one of those now as well!

 

[frank]

aye, they,re fine imo, 2 of the porcelin,s are still white eh

 

[Tara L]

Thanks Frank maybe a bit paranoid then!

The compression issues are nothing to worry about either then?

 

[frank]

haynes figures are always conservative tara, you have to allow for a slowing battery or inaccurate gauge, so as long as they,re within a bar or two dont worry (i assume the throttle was held open ?)

 

[Tara L]

ok thanks we won't worry then, it was 11 the first time and suspect battery was suffering a bit by the time it was retested. The throttle was wipe open yes..

Thanks for your help!

Tara.