Engine Compression Low??

[rocafella6969]

Hi, I'm having a problem with my compression I think. I have a 5 speed and when I downshift, Its as if the car doesnt really slow down... I know thats bad.. but how do I fix it? I have a '93 320I. Also, it may be the same problem, but when I drive and the car is cold, it doesnt pick up speed.. it actually feels like its holding me back.. I hope its nothing serious.. the car only has 195,000 KM on it! Does anyone know what the problem might be and if I can even fix it? Thanks so much!!

[bmxludwig]

The only way to determine if you actually have a compression problem is with a compression test.

[rocafella6969]

LOL.. Im a girl.. Im not really sure on any of that.. usually would it be something with the engine? like is it possable to fix?

[bmxludwig]

LOL.. Im a girl.. Im not really sure on any of that.. usually would it be something with the engine? like is it possable to fix?

My girlfriend knows how to check compression. ;) So we know its not your gender that is prohibiting you from checking it. Ask your dad or boyfriend or if all else fails a mechanic to diagnose your car. It is real hard for us to help you when you can't help yourself. :stickoutt

[CrazyCoder]

Thats not a good indicator of compression... my car will actually pick up speed coming down the bridge here, if I leave it in 5th. It'll hold speed in 4th, or start to decelerate in 3rd. My compression is right where it should be.

A compression test uses what is basically a pressure gauge which screws in to the spark plug holes. You can test how much pressure the cylinder has with it... pretty easy to do. The tools are cheap at any autoparts store, and some of them will rent them to you. Any mechanic, or someone who fiddles with their own car, should have one or know someone with one.

As for the "holding back" when cold, well... do you move real quick in the morning, when your cold? Hell no, you just want to stay in bed where it's warm. Same with the car, really. The oil and everything needs to warm up, you really shouldn't be pushing it until it does.

Maybe a tuneup would help, I honestly can't say I've ever seen a case where one hurts anything.



LOL.. Im a girl.. Im not really sure on any of that.

Not to be rude or anything, but... uh... so? I've met girls at autocross events who can out wrench, and out drive, me (of course, thats not saying a lot). There was a girl at work who was a way better software engineer than most of the guys there, she's since left and is working at NASA. I think she's working on something related to the Orion capsule. You are just as capable of learning to work on your car as any other schmuck, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The trick is to not be afraid of it, and do research first.

[rocafella6969]

OK, Well the reason Im asking is because Im selling it, The guy who wants it, wants to take it to a macanic to check tomorrow. I am just worried it might be something serious and he wont take the car lol..
When its cold though, it horrable.. more than it should be! i've never had a car be like this.. it actually slows me down, and i cant even gas.. it kinda chugs.. its strange.. but thanks for your help!!!

[rocafella6969]

Thats not a good indicator of compression... my car will actually pick up speed coming down the bridge here, if I leave it in 5th. It'll hold speed in 4th, or start to decelerate in 3rd. My compression is right where it should be.

A compression test uses what is basically a pressure gauge which screws in to the spark plug holes. You can test how much pressure the cylinder has with it... pretty easy to do. The tools are cheap at any autoparts store, and some of them will rent them to you. Any mechanic, or someone who fiddles with their own car, should have one or know someone with one.

As for the "holding back" when cold, well... do you move real quick in the morning, when your cold? Hell no, you just want to stay in bed where it's warm. Same with the car, really. The oil and everything needs to warm up, you really shouldn't be pushing it until it does.

Maybe a tuneup would help, I honestly can't say I've ever seen a case where one hurts anything.




Not to be rude or anything, but... uh... so? I've met girls at autocross events who can out wrench, and out drive, me (of course, thats not saying a lot). There was a girl at work who was a way better software engineer than most of the guys there, she's since left and is working at NASA. I think she's working on something related to the Orion capsule. You are just as capable of learning to work on your car as any other schmuck, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The trick is to not be afraid of it, and do research first.



LOL.. Im not saying its 'because im a girl'.. im just saying to speak in smaller lauguage for me.. Im 21, and I really am just not into the whole car thing.. Its just not my thing.. Of course there are MANY girls who do everything in this world the same or better then men.. Im just not one of them lol

[CrazyCoder]

OK, Well the reason Im asking is because Im selling it, The guy who wants it, wants to take it to a macanic to check tomorrow. I am just worried it might be something serious and he wont take the car lol..
When its cold though, it horrable.. more than it should be! i've never had a car be like this.. it actually slows me down, and i cant even gas.. it kinda chugs.. its strange.. but thanks for your help!!!


Ah, ok.

Betcha it's water in the gas. Put in some gas line antifreeze (any autoparts store will have it) and see if it goes away. Used to be an issue with my old car when I lived in Michigan.

[Eurotakeover]

Hi, I'm having a problem with my compression I think. I have a 5 speed and when I downshift, Its as if the car doesnt really slow down... I know thats bad.. but how do I fix it? I have a '93 320I. Also, it may be the same problem, but when I drive and the car is cold, it doesnt pick up speed.. it actually feels like its holding me back.. I hope its nothing serious.. the car only has 195,000 KM on it! Does anyone know what the problem might be and if I can even fix it? Thanks so much!!

Ive got the same car. Mine also feels likes its not giving me its power. And mine has 180,000kms. I think im going to try seafoam soon...

[rocafella6969]

Ok.. I'll try the anti freeze stuff!! It makes sence cuz im in Canada LOL.. it works fine in the summer.. but winter is when it chugs like that!! Thanks so much!