So I did a compression test today on my 2002 MCS with 176xxx miles because I plan on doing some modifications in the future. Cylinder 1 was 115 psi,then 110, 105 and 110 in order. When I put oil (wet test) in the cylinder to test the compression they were all around 150 +-10 psi.

Is this good? bad? I am planning on getting a 15% reduction pulley but would this be too much stress on the rings?

Thanks for any insight

 

You're engine has worn rings, I think adding a pulley now will hasten it's demise. You'll also start burning some oil....

 

thanks minidave. I don't drive this car that often, usually only a few miles a week, so I hope I can still get a few more years out of it.

 

I also have an MCS with 176k on it.

Back when it had only 60k it pumped 150, 145, 145, 145 dry.

At 126k it pumped 160, 130, 130, 160 - and at 130k I put a fresh crate motor in it.

I reckon you have done well at that mileage!

Cheers,

Charlie

 

"I don't drive this car that often, usually only a few miles a week, so I hope I can still get a few more years out of it."
Short, stop & go driving for 176K miles...No wonder the compression is low. I don't believe you'll get a few more years out of it without a re-build or engine swap.

 

NC TRACKRAT I bought this car last november so I have been doing lots of short stop and go driving for sure. But I assumed that the previous owner had done lots of highway miles (due to the milage and good condition of the car). Maybe he hadn't. I hate to say it but should I sell it instead of continuing to put money into it?

 

It's your call. That old expression applies:"Pay me now or pay me later". The cow's out of the barn now but you should've done a comp. test before buying it. If you can get close to what you paid, I'd let it go. There are plenty of MINI's to buy out there.

 

I would be able to get close to if not more that what i paid for it (not with tax though) since I got it for a pretty good price. Also I have already put close to $1000 into (just doing small fixes). I'm not sure if I would be getting another mini after this one, but I would hate to let this go after only 4 months with it.

 

Any guesses on what I should be seeing on an 02 R53 that has 33k on it? Bought at 22k four years ago, and have done about 30 track days on it, with occasional highway use. Previous owner didn't track it. It has a 15% pulley, CAI, Milltek exhaust, and is chipped.