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Home >> Geo >> 1996 >> Prizm Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Basic Testing 1.6 & 1.8L >> Preliminary Inspection & Adjustments >> Mechanical Inspection >> Compression

Mechanical Inspection: Compression

  1. Check engine mechanical condition using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge or engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. See COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS  table.
  2. Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature. Turn ignition to LOCK position. Remove all spark plugs. Disconnect secondary ignition wire from coil.
  3. On all models, install compression gauge. Disengage clutch on manual transaxle equipped vehicles to reduce drag on engine. Fully depress accelerator pedal to Wide-Open Throttle (WOT) position. Using a fully charged battery, crank engine to specified RPM. See COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS  table. On each cylinder, record highest of 4 compression gauge readings and compare with table.
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application Specification
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Normal Compression Pressure (1) 191 psi (13.4 kg/cm2 )
Minimum Compression Pressure (1) 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm2 )
Maximum Variation Between Cylinders 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 )
(1) Checked at 250 RPM.