compression test results are in. see page 2.
- RJolly87
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5403
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 8:53 am
- Year and Trim: 1993 Buick Park Avenue
1994 Buick Regal Custom - Location: Las Cruces, NM
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
It's interesting that you are going to look at a vehicle with a purchase price that will easily cover repairs to your current vehicle that you already know quite well.
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place
- 88bonnsse
- Posts like a Northstar

- Posts: 1634
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- Year and Trim: 1988 sse - 80,000 on the clock and my first car...
1995 se wit da sle package- 120,000 on the clock and ticking stronger then ever... - Location: allentown pa
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
RJolly87 wrote:It's interesting that you are going to look at a vehicle with a purchase price that will easily cover repairs to your current vehicle that you already know quite well.
why is it interesting, here are some facts about me.
i have been looking to buy a truck for the last 2 months. i have talked the guy down to $2000 even, i looked the truck over inside and out ( even checked spark plugs ). my wife still has her delta 88 and my bonneville still drives, for now.
i am going to get the truck today if i like it, and then switch insurance from my bonneville to the new truck. my wife will continue to drive her delta 88 while i look for a motor that i can trust and i will do the swap asap.. after i buy the truck if i like it, i will still have $1000 to do what ever it is i need to do to my baby ( bonnie ) and keep her with me untill the wheels fall off and she cant go no more. or gas runs out in this earth.. either or.
but my bonneville is definetly gettin fixed, and soon. i put too much time, money and my own blood into that car. i even rebuilt the car after it was *dang* near totaled.. rebuilt and repainted it my self..
but one lile question.. why is it interested that i would be buying a truck, just at the same time you found out my motor is toast.. whats the issue..
- willwren
- Retired Admin

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- Contact:
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
The way you posted it made it look like you were tossing your car to the junk pile, and I also got that impression.
What does your Suburban purchase have to do with this topic?
What does your Suburban purchase have to do with this topic?

Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers
- RJolly87
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5403
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 8:53 am
- Year and Trim: 1993 Buick Park Avenue
1994 Buick Regal Custom - Location: Las Cruces, NM
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
That was the impression I was alluding to also. There was no ill feelings regarding a truck, I was just of the impression that you would be dumping one set of problems for another older vehicle, which usually brings on its own problems.willwren wrote:The way you posted it made it look like you were tossing your car to the junk pile, and I also got that impression.
However I can appreciate getting another vehicle while the Bonnie gets fixed up good so that you have reliable transportation throughout. Not only that, but you then have a truck to haul stuff around in.
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place
-
Jrs3800
- Retired Admin/Techinfo Admin

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- Location: Space Coast, or at least it used to be
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
If you are going to look for another motor, look for a series III L26 Vin 2 04-08 iirc
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
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01bonneSC
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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1997 'maro (3.8L M5)
89 SkiDoo - Location: Sycamore, IL
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
Cause I said this.willwren wrote:The way you posted it made it look like you were tossing your car to the junk pile, and I also got that impression.
What does your Suburban purchase have to do with this topic?
I was addressing about all the weight in the car. Since there was a concern about MPGs tanking due to the weight of his stereo system or because his engine is on the way out.01bonneSC wrote:Id get a minivan for all your bump bumps lol
Last edited by 01bonneSC on Sat May 14, 2011 4:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- 88bonnsse
- Posts like a Northstar

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- Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 10:08 am
- Year and Trim: 1988 sse - 80,000 on the clock and my first car...
1995 se wit da sle package- 120,000 on the clock and ticking stronger then ever... - Location: allentown pa
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
01bonneSC wrote:Cause I said this.willwren wrote:The way you posted it made it look like you were tossing your car to the junk pile, and I also got that impression.
What does your Suburban purchase have to do with this topic?I was addressing about all the weight in the car. Since there was a concern about MPGs tanking due to the weight of his stereo system or because his engine is on the way out.01bonneSC wrote:Id get a minivan for all your bump bumps lol
thanks for clearing that up for me..
and my bonnie is getting fixed, i can definetly afford a new motor and put it in myself, but affording another newer bonneville is out the question right now.. i am doing alot of work on my house. so i will be fixing the bonneville for my wife so it stays with me forever. and the truck is what i always wanted for my system. not as a daily driver. i will be taking my wifes delta 88 for my daily driver..
and i bought the truck today for $1800..
but my bonneville. is MINE.
-
1oldman
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
Okay, his readings were:
dry tes
cyl#1 ( 135 ) cyl#2 (140 ) cyl#3 ( 140 ) cyl#4 (135) cyl#5 ( 136 ) cyl#6 ( 136 )
wet test
cyl#1 ( 240 ) cyl#2 (232 ) cyl#3 (235) cyl#4 ( 235 ) cyl#5 ( 237 ) cyl#6 ( 231 ).
Out of curiosity, what should be the expected readings? Thanks - BC
dry tes
cyl#1 ( 135 ) cyl#2 (140 ) cyl#3 ( 140 ) cyl#4 (135) cyl#5 ( 136 ) cyl#6 ( 136 )
wet test
cyl#1 ( 240 ) cyl#2 (232 ) cyl#3 (235) cyl#4 ( 235 ) cyl#5 ( 237 ) cyl#6 ( 231 ).
Out of curiosity, what should be the expected readings? Thanks - BC
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
- willwren
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- Contact:
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
Personally, I look for 160 or higher, all 6 cylinders within 5-10 psi dry.
No more than a 5-10% gain wet, equal across all 6 and still within 5-10 of each other. Compression results from different types of motors vary, but this is the 'good' range for a 3800, and should still be close to these numbers after 200,000 miles in most cases.
ZiLLA's current motor was selcted to those specifications. Certified by the wrecker before purchase (before they pulled it from the car) and verified by me after install. My numbers were actually slightly better than theirs, and not just due to the gauge. My spread was tighter.
No more than a 5-10% gain wet, equal across all 6 and still within 5-10 of each other. Compression results from different types of motors vary, but this is the 'good' range for a 3800, and should still be close to these numbers after 200,000 miles in most cases.
ZiLLA's current motor was selcted to those specifications. Certified by the wrecker before purchase (before they pulled it from the car) and verified by me after install. My numbers were actually slightly better than theirs, and not just due to the gauge. My spread was tighter.
Last edited by willwren on Sun May 15, 2011 6:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers
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1oldman
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
willwren wrote:Personally, I look for 160 or higher, all 6 cylinders within 5-10 psi dry.
No more than a 5-10% gain wet, equal across all 6 and still within 5-10 of each other. Compression results from different types of motors vary, but this is the 'good' range for a 3800, and should still be close to these numbers after 200,000 miles in most cases.
ZiLLA's current motor was selcted to those specifications. Certified by the wrecker before purchase (before they pulled it from the car) and verified by me after install. My numbers were actually slightly better than theirs, and not just due to the gauge. My spread was tighter.
Thanks Bill, I'm gonna get my youngest son to do a compression test on the ole 'green monster" some time soon just to see how wore out it really is. - BC
edit - and I will so note in my FSM VOl 1 page 6-7 - BC
Last edited by 1oldman on Sun May 15, 2011 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
- willwren
- Retired Admin

- Posts: 65489
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93 SSEi
95 SLE (SC)
97 Buick LeSabre - Location: Oregon WCBF'04, '05, '06, '07, '08, '09, '10, '11 Survivor
- Contact:
Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
IIRC, the FSM states lower acceptable compression. I've found the vast majority of 3800's exceed GM specifications.

Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers
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1oldman
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 3975
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 11:21 pm
- Year and Trim: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
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Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
willwren wrote:IIRC, the FSM states lower acceptable compression. I've found the vast majority of 3800's exceed GM specifications.
Yes, but I won't post what the FSM sez as it comes closer to what the readings should be for a valve in block Ford V-8. lol - BC
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
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michaelbsc
- SLE Member

- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:17 pm
- Year and Trim: 1995 SSE, 2001 Buick Park Avenue
- Location: Charleston, SC
Re: how do i change my oil pump ? loud noise and low oil pr
Jrs3800 wrote:That is the blower motor cooler tube... The nippled has snapped off.... Common of the 94-96 or so bonnevilles to do that
Not to change the subject, but I found this post hunting for "blower" this afternoon. I just replaced the blower (thanks to directions in another thread making is way simpler than I was doing) and I noticed that the cooler hose is completely missing on mine ('95 SSE). I wondered what the hole was on the motor housing when I got the new one out of the box in the store, and I found the hole on the firewall when I took the old one out.
Can I safely ignore this? Or is the new fan going to quit PDQ because the windings/bearings are going to get compromised, meaning I need to go scrounge one up from a salvage yard if I can find one not broken?
MB
- willwren
- Retired Admin

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Re: compression test results are in. see page 2.
Can you start your own 'new' topic on this? As a courtesy to the topic author and totally different subject matter in this one?

Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers



