Ok so changed out a blown head gasket on a 02 es and there was alot of water in the combustion chambers and all over in the head but dipstick is clean just straight oil. put on new HG Timing is correct, new belt as well, comp is reading 50 across the board with one hitting a whopping 70. so my question is I know you can pour some engine oil down the plug hole to see if its the rings that is causing the problem but how much comp gain whould I expect to see if it is the case? The cylinder walls were not looking the greatest but not enough to concern me at the time. The timnig was on when I pulled the belt and put the new one on and got it right the first time so if it is the valves I imagine the coolant must have hydrolocked the engine or something causing it to give

 

The minimum limit for cylinder compression is 170psi, with a 14psi tolerance of difference between cylinders. At 50psi.... I would start looking for another engine. Adding oil to the cylinder is just a way to test if compression is being lost from the rings or the valve seals. If compression goes up any at all, its the rings. If it doesn't raise, it's the valve seals or possibly the headgasket.

 

Ok cool I know for a fact the head gasket is fine and timing is perfect and putting oil in it raised it about 10psi, not much but enough confirmation for me, they brought over another engine I will be putting in it anyways today so oh well, am trying to get the old engine off them for me then I can strip it down