Hey gang,
I had the local honda dealer install my new Rick's header during my 30,000 mile service. I have also been burning about 1/2 - 3/4 a quart of regular dino oil per 5000 miles or so. (I do vtec all the time and drive it hard, with lots of city-ish driving. I've reported the oil buring with every service check.)

So, I asked them to do a compression test while they were at it. Essentially every cylinder reads just at 176 or so. (174, 176, 175, 176).

I've been searching (when, o when, will it work decently???) for some earlier posts about the "proper" numbers I should be hitting. Of course, the dealership said it was "exactly where it should be". I do pretty much trust the main guy I deal with as we seem to have a very good personal relationship and they have done work on my other cars. I'm a good customer to them and they to me.

I realize that weather temperatures and engine temps can make a diff. However, I believe I remember the numbers should be something like 220-240, shouldn't they?

One other thing, I have a 'flickering' electronic dash. Often the brightness fades and brightens -- which supposedly might be a 'waning' battery. Dealership says this is "normal" as well. :-( I mention this b/c one compression post mentioned 'low battery' can also produce a lower number.

THANKS FOR REPLYING!

 

Ok. hmmm. a serious lack of interest, here, maybe?

I checked with a 'trusted source' that is much respected here and I was informed that the range should be above 200 and within 5%.

So, mine is 175 on average and consistent between all four. The dealer service rep, who I LIKE and I've done all service with, including the header install, told me that they were "good, well within spec". (I think right now that I'm more bummed about what this says about the rep, rather than the issue with the car. I really respected him and felt like I could trust him.)

What has to potentially be done to bring these numbers up to 'the preferred range'?

What likely difference would this make in acceleration? (I don't really need any higher top end. )

Does this have anything to do with my slight oil burning?


And...(bonus question)...how should I go about getting this done with the least agony - by the dealer under warranty (extended)?

 

The service manual compression test specs are:

Nominal = 228psi
Minimum = 135psi
Max variation = 28psi

As far as the flickering dash goes, did they check the alternator output?
All Honda dealers now have a hand held charging system analyzer that prints out the test results.

Your oil consumption is well within normal ranges, it's not untill they burn over 1qt per 1k miles that oil consumption is deemed excessive by AHM.

 

1/2 - 3/4 quart in 5000 miles is a very decent number bro

 

Should it be of interest to ya, I just had my compression tested on all cylinders at 113,000 miles now.

173, 172, 168, 172 reported in #1-4 cyl order

Great car and a great motor the F20C