Engine stock air tube removed and compression check...

stock air tube removed and compression check...

2003 CE 5-speed. I have 35,000 miles on my car and decided to check the compression today. All 4 cylinders were right @ 205psi. Looking down into the spark plug tube, the pistons have a bit of carbon on them, but moreover they are so clean I can still see the factory markings etched on them. Made me happy.

Then, I decided to look into the prospects of making my own SRI, so I tore everything apart and decided I was going to remove that stock air tube. The one that runs from the air box to behind the L headlight - yeah, it is no more. That thing bottlenecks down to like a 1 3/4" diameter and I can't imagine that it can flow very much air. So - anyhow...it's gone and it sounds nice - much more throaty tone. Not near what a true CAI or SRI would sound like, but does sound more aggressive without being obtrusive. Performance - dunno. I've changed the oil, added a bottle of Gumout fuel system cleaner and reset the ECU - all things which could change the power output. So far, I can tell a little difference, but not much. Time will tell.

Late,
Trav

spark plugs look good - light grey. So far so good!

Late,
Trav

Cool 8)

Wow, u have 35,000 miles already? Im still in the 9,900's. How did u check the compression?

Yeah - i drove my car off the lot on Feb 18th, 2003 (what can I say, it was a special day for me). Anyhow, the procedure for a compression check:

1) engine has to be @ operating temp.
2) remove the coil packs and remove all the spark plugs.
3) remove the EFI fuse to keep the injectors from spraying fuel
4) use an engine compression tester (available at all major auto stores - got mine @ Autozone)
4) It has an adapter with an o-ring that just screws into the spark plug holes (starting to sound kind of kinky, isn't it?)
5) Try to get the gauge to where you can see it through the windshield and open the throttle completely (hold the gas pedal to the floor) and crank the engine.
6) The compression should build up quickly - mine hit ~90psi on the first compression stroke which is good.
7) Crank it until you've had about 7 compression strokes on the cylinder you're checking. You'll be able to hear the lope in the starter as it passes the compression stroke.

The important thing is that there is no more than a 20% difference in the highest and lowest pressure and that compression isn't below ~ 150psi and no greater than ~ 230psi. It should be around 200psi, depending on what altitude you're at.

Also: don't tighten spark plugs into a hot engine. Let it cool - can you put your hand on the engine for 10 seconds without it burning? If not, then wait to tighten them down because it's a good way to have one or all seize in the engine.

Late,
Trav