1994 Ford Taurus Highway Ping

FORD TAURUS
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TAURUSWHEEL
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Did compression reading on my 94 Taurus 3.0 65k miles,, every cylinder was 160 psi,, what is your take on this number??? Good?? Bad???? I can't seem to find info in my books as to what the number should be, give or take... just charts with info for high versus low, not interested in that.. Reason I'm asking is slight pinging issue at highway speeds, occassionally.. Timing is good, actually retarded it a little, seems to make no change, thanks for replies...
May 16, 2006 at 1:03 PM
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LOSONE
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The compression is very good not excellent as it should be 180. If you do a wet test it will probably be 180+. It is even and shows a good engine. Not to worry except if it gets in the 110,s and each cyl is different.
May 17, 2006 at 5:48 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
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Appreciate the reply.. it wasn't a wet test... I was surprised myself at the numbers, all being the same, plus or minus a hair, all at 4-5 cranks, each cylinder came up the same way... so what should I look at for ping issue??? Maybe egr system?? I did do a flow test with a voltmeter, was told the volt readings were not bad... what about removing upper intake manifold and making sure egr passages are completely clear??? Any other ideas??? Thanks
May 17, 2006 at 10:28 AM
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LOSONE
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I would replace the EGR valve with a new one from Ford. It has been updated considerably and should take care of the ping. As you said cleaning the passages are good but you can do it without removing the manifold. Good luck
May 17, 2006 at 10:56 AM

Suggested Repair

Compression of 160 psi on every cylinder is even and acceptable, though slightly below the expected 180 psi. For occasional highway ping, replace the EGR valve with an updated Ford unit and clean the EGR passages without removing the upper intake manifold.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 Ford Taurus 3.0 with 65,000 miles measured 160 psi compression on every cylinder and asked whether that was acceptable, citing occasional pinging at highway speeds despite timing being retarded slightly. An expert said the even readings indicate a good engine, though about 180 psi would be excellent, and a wet test would likely read higher. For the ping, the expert recommended installing a new updated Ford EGR valve and cleaning the EGR passages without removing the manifold.

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