Compression too high?

Posted by Mark on December 12, 2002 at 07:21:11 from (63.189.209.100):

I have an IH B-414 gasoline tractor that I use for mowing only. I like it very much. Runs fine.

Yesterday I tested the compression pressure in the cylinders.

All four cylinders tested at 120-125 p.s.i. I tested twice to be sure.

My manual says the pressure should be 80-105 p.s.i.

How did this excess compression come about? Carbon build up in the cylinders? Is this excess pressure harmful to the tractor engine?

I use the tractor only for mowing; no hard pulling. The previous owner (who bought it new) used it only for mowing also.

I recently discovered the spark plugs in the tractor are not the ones specified in the manual and, to the best of my research, are not a suitable variant. I will be installing factory specified plugs immediately. (Tractor is currently down for other minor repairs). Could incorrect spark plugs have contributed to this
problem? (Meaning possible carbon build up?)

The exhaust has always been nice and clear. No smoke at all.

Tractor has had some trouble running, but that has been because of fuel starvation, which I have corrected. If it gets fuel, it runs fine.

What, if anything should I do about this high compression situation?

Someone has suggested this compression presure above factory spec just means the engine is in good shape. That answer is comforting to me, but seems a bit illogical. Did IH build the engines new to the higher psi and just expect it to drop immediately to a lower, yet acceptable level? So the lower psi was therefore listed in the manual?

Your opinions on this puzzle are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Mark

Follow Ups:

• Re: Compression too high? Mark 13:26:44 12/12/02 (0)
• Re: Compression too high? Peabody 09:14:41 12/12/02 (1)
  • Re: Re: Compression too high? Alton 15:28:50 12/12/02 (0)
• Re: Compression too high? Bob M 08:17:22 12/12/02 (2)
  • Re: Re: Compression too high? Don LC 09:52:52 12/12/02 (0)
  • Re: Re: Compression too high? Don LC 09:52:46 12/12/02 (0)
• Re: Compression too high? The Red 07:26:03 12/12/02 (0)

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Compression too high? Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]