Low compression?

Tiny
JOSHUA LOUIS CORNETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I have 3 cylinders on the same bank with low compression, the car starts but does not have enough power to move its own weight.
Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 AT 7:50 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,949 POSTS
It sounds like you broke one of the timing chains, this is not good because it can bend the valves. You can confirm the issue by removing the valve cover on the side with low compression and confirm the camshaft is not turning while the engine is being cranked over. Please go over this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, July 20th, 2023 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JOSHUA LOUIS CORNETT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
So the car starts up when its at idle cannot tell there is any problem everything is normal as soon as you press on the gas it falls flat it can't move itself under its own weight took it to shop they said it has low compression in 3 cylinders on the same bank its not the timing I took valve cover off and checked that
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Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 AT 4:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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If you have three cylinders on the same bank with low compression and the car lacks power to move its own weight, it indicates a significant engine performance issue. Low compression in multiple cylinders can cause a severe loss of power and overall poor engine performance. Here are some potential reasons for the low compression and lack of power:

Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: A blown or leaking cylinder head gasket can lead to low compression between adjacent cylinders on the same bank. This can result in reduced power and misfiring.

Valve Issues: Problems with the valves, such as bent or burnt valves, can cause low compression in multiple cylinders. Faulty valves can lead to incomplete sealing, which affects combustion efficiency.

Piston Rings: Worn or damaged piston rings can allow compression gases to leak past the piston, reducing compression and overall engine power.

Timing Chain or Belt: A timing chain or belt that has jumped or slipped can cause the engine's timing to be off, leading to poor compression and engine performance.

Camshaft Issues: A damaged or malfunctioning camshaft can affect the timing of the valves, leading to reduced compression.

Intake or Exhaust Manifold Leaks: Leaks in the intake or exhaust manifolds can affect the air-fuel mixture and lead to reduced engine power.

Fuel Injection or Ignition Problems: Faulty fuel injectors or ignition coils can cause misfiring, leading to low power and poor engine performance.
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Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
JOSHUA LOUIS CORNETT
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Wouldn't be a clogged catalytic converter.
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Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 42,949 POSTS
Good point, can you remove the primary oxygen sensor and then recheck the compression that should tell us for sure if the catalytic converter is plugged. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, July 24th, 2023 AT 10:48 AM

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