Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: 4age 16v - low compression

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default 4age 16v - low compression

    Hi guys,

    I have a 4age 16v bigport. Rebuild with high lift cams in and ex. I got the shim kit, HC piston, valve springs, and practically everything for the head.
    *Added = Using a ITB BT*


    As for the bottom end, using a rebalanced stock crank.
    Engine has just done first initial stage of run in with rev limit on 3.5k

    Problem:
    The compression is evenly low on all 4 cyclinder. Sent to the engine builder, for check-ups and the head and bottom is fine. Can't figure out what is the problem and at the moment the mechanic and engine builder reckons its the crank pressure. They are telling me that it is not cranking enough of pressure to get the compression up with the high lift cams. Any ideas?

    Basically, has anyone used before a high lift cams and have similiar problems? OR is there something i am missing that might be causing the problem?
    Last edited by number_33; 17th May 2011 at 10:49 PM.

  2. #2
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    Also forgot to add, if its the crank pressure, what needs to be done to rectify the problem?

  3. #3
    Veteran
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Name
    Dave
    State
    QLD
    Location
    Brisbane
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    2,667

    Default

    how low are we talking here?

    those 288 cams are pretty chunky, that will lower your dynamic (right word?) compression considerably.

    also what is "crank pressure"???
    In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
    - Blaise Pascal

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    I forgot the numbers already, i find out from the mech first thing monday. I only can recall that its going almost like a 8:1 CR or like a stock 4age CR
    But a high compression engine should run with this high lift cams correct? Why would it go down?

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    Update - Forgot to add also i am running a ITB BT as well

  6. #6
    Veteran slide86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Name
    Huw
    State
    SA
    Location
    Hills
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    3,526

    Default

    way to much valve overlap?

    are you sure the cams have been setup properly. one cam might be out a tooth, this combined with the large duration might be affecting your compression.

    NOTE= compression RATIO and compression in the cylinder are two different things.

    you say teh comp is low on all cylinders, i gather this means you have used a compression tested???? what were the results in psi?

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    They are new cams, but i will get the cams check for setup and tooth.
    Yes, i did a compression test check, i forgot the numbers, but on monday i will get it again.

    Would the compression ratio go down if the compression in the cyclinder are down or vice versa?

  8. #8
    Veteran
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Name
    Dave
    State
    QLD
    Location
    Brisbane
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    2,667

    Default

    nope

    compression ratio is the ratio between the volume in the cyclinder at top dead centre, and the volume at bottom dead centre.

    if its driving crap then i would say that your cam timing is out.

    iver never dealt with aftermarket cams, but you may need adjustable cam gears in order to "Dial them in". maybe someone with experience with this type of thing can jump in.

    if your engine is now an interference engine (high lift cams + high comp pistons) becareful playing with cam timing.
    In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
    - Blaise Pascal

  9. #9
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    Good days guys,
    Went today to the workshop, the compression is at 130 on all 4 cyclinder. Suppose to be at 200 to 220.
    I have an aftermarket cam gears as well, and we did check if the camshafts are overlaping, seems to be fine.
    The engine builder is coming to have a look again to see it.

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Name
    Dave
    State
    VIC
    Location
    Melbourne
    Country
    Australia
    Posts
    29

    Default

    Also, can anyone please give me contacts of engine builders that are specialise on 4age?

    Getting some 2nd opinions might help out.
    Last edited by number_33; 11th May 2010 at 05:35 PM.

Similar Threads

  1. 4AGE smallport low compression help!
    By shortround in forum Technical - Questions
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 22nd October 2012, 09:29 PM
  2. Replies: 1
    Last Post: 6th May 2012, 07:41 PM
  3. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 27th November 2011, 04:16 PM
  4. 4agze 16v motor low k
    By ca18ae71 in forum Car Parts For Sale
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 26th May 2010, 10:50 PM
  5. Low Compression
    By h1_roll4 in forum Technical - Questions
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10th December 2005, 02:21 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •