Low Compression In Some of My Cylinders?

Question

72 Chevelle. The number 1, 2 and 3 cylinders are fine. However, from there on until number 8, they are low. I just reinstalled new cylinder heads though and I was wondering if the low compression is because the valves aren't adjusted properly? Like I said, half of the cylinders have good compression, the other half, doesn't. I do not have a blown head gasket or cracked head or cracked block because there is no smoke when car starts, no coolant with oil, no oil with coolant and I am not losing coolant at all. Also, when I take the cap off the radiator, it is not bubbly. I just think it needs valve adjustment. What do you guys think? And finally, I believe I tightened the valves too tight because the motor is not knocking, or making any weird sound. It's just getting low compression which is having a hard time starting and before I replaced the heads, the compression on it was fine. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Back off the valves! You'll destroy the cam! AS a rule of thumb, loose is better on a new or rebuilt engine. If the valves are a little loose when you fire it up after a repair, you can always tighten them a little at a time until it's adjusted properly. If they're too tight you're gonna hurt the cam. Since you just put heads on the car, go back, loosen the rockers, and start the adjustment process again.Take your time and TRIPLE check everything through the process. Good luck. I hope the thing runs like a scalded dogg!

Answer 2

Well, dude, sounds like you've got your mind made up. Why bother asking another's opinion?