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Compression/leakdown Results

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by ktr6, Oct 5, 2014.

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  1. ktr6

    ktr6 Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2011
    947
    Knoxville, TN
    Full Name:
    Keith
    #1 ktr6, Oct 5, 2014
    I recently had a PPI performed on a TR. The results showed one cylinder to have a compression rating of 130psi while the 11 others were anywhere from 170-180. Leakdown on this cylinder was at roughly 50% on the intake side. The test was performed at a reputable Ferrari shop. How concerning would this be to you as a perspective buyer?
     
  2. dwhite

    dwhite F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2003
    3,511
    Bklyn, NY/Vero Beach
    #2 dwhite, Oct 5, 2014
    I had a similar situation with a Boxer and was told it could be a hung ring which could free itself or it could also be a cracked/broken ring which would require attention. I passed on that car as I did not want to take the risk and pull an engine apart. The owner who also knew this information was not budging on price.

    Maybe have the person drive it a couple hundred miles and see if anything changes or negotiate like Wayne Carinni "Well it probably needs an engine rebuild for atleast 40K and I know you are asking X so I could offer you X minus $50K cash today" Of course the seller agrees and the engine turns out to be fine and he sells the car for original X plus 30K. ;-)
     
  3. ktr6

    ktr6 Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2011
    947
    Knoxville, TN
    Full Name:
    Keith
    #3 ktr6, Oct 5, 2014
    Thanks, that's my concern. Could be something that could work itself out, or a major headache (and expense). I really love the car, just want to make sure I listen to my head and not my heart.
     
  4. dwhite

    dwhite F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2003
    3,511
    Bklyn, NY/Vero Beach
    #4 dwhite, Oct 6, 2014
    Yep, keep your head in the purchase decision. It's hard and we seeing rising prices, but the right car will come along if this one does not work out. Having a major expense to start ownership is not a good thing with any purchase.
     
  5. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #5 vincenzo, Oct 6, 2014
    Good idea... if no change, then negotiate down. If there is no change, this exercise will help drive a dose of reality into the seller.

    Rgds,
    Vincenzo
     
  6. Cribbj

    Cribbj Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jan 1, 2011
    2,316
    Cooke City MT, The Coolest Small Town in America
    Full Name:
    John
    #6 Cribbj, Oct 6, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I purchased a 550 Maranello 4 years ago with some "leaky" cylinders, and I negotiated the price down to reflect the leakage.

    Then this year I decided to pull the engine down, and the cause of the leakage in 2 of the cylinders was obvious - the top compression rings were not only stuck, they were very nearly welded. Best we can surmise is that the corrosion on the 2 pistons in the pics below was from condensation, and the rings simply rusted and stuck. We do not believe it was coolant, as the head gasket on this (right) bank of cylinders was in fine shape.

    In your case, if you can determine that the engine is just severely carboned or gunked up, some Seafoam or other solvents might help free up a "sticky" ring, however as long as you're the buyer, not the seller, I would assume it's a doomsday situation and would use it to my advantage in the price negotiation.
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  7. ktr6

    ktr6 Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2011
    947
    Knoxville, TN
    Full Name:
    Keith
    #7 ktr6, Oct 6, 2014
    Thanks for the input everyone, seller is pretty fixed on price despite these recent findings. Looks like its time to move on. I hate it for the car as I would love to do a driving restoration over the next few years.
     

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