Low compression in one cylinder

Tiny
FBJON
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 AUDI A4
  • TURBO
  • 80,000 MILES
I just had a replacement engine out in and mechanic says one cylinder has slightly low compression. I don't know the numbers or how slightly low. He says the car will run in but I may need a quart of oil every month or so.
Can I run the car this way or am I looking for trouble?
Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 AT 10:04 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I assume this was a used engine? If this was a new engine then the company that you bought it from should repair it or replace it.

Here is a guide that will help with this so that we make sure we are on the same page with compression:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/what-is-engine-compression

We are going to need to know the numbers just to find out how long this will last. Basically if it is burning oil then you are going to have issues with spark plugs as the oil will foul them. This is most likely a ring issue so we need to get a little more info to confirm it.

It is only going to get worse as this is a leak and leaks don't fix themselves. So you may be fine for a while but it will start causing other issues until the cylinder no longer fires and you have a permanent misfire.

Below is a chart that will show what a fouled plug looks like.

Let us know what the numbers are if you can contact the shop and get them and we can go from there.
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Thursday, May 20th, 2021 AT 10:08 AM

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