what should the compression be and how do i know i set the timing correctly?

1996 PLYMOUTH NEON
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MBLAD
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the water pump froze so i had to replace it and the timing belt now the car starts but spits and spudders. there was marks for the timing that i had lined up. how do i know if it is correct or is it doing this because the compression is bad since maybe some valves got bent. how do i check this?
May 31, 2012 at 3:38 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Very likely on the bent valves. You need to be over 100PSI and all within 10% of each other.
May 31, 2012 at 3:55 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Check compression 170-225 psi but engine is a valve bender so VERY likely valves were bent
May 31, 2012 at 3:56 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Doc is correct according to spec. What I posted was the minimum to avoid misfire. Looks like you can have up to 25% different between cylinders too.
May 31, 2012 at 4:01 PM
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