What can cause compression loss?

Erude73

Cadet
Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Messages
25
aside from bad rings or scored up cylinders, or headgasket,is there anything else that can cause low compression on a 2 stroke? i have a 4 and 15hp for a friend and both on my compression gauge read around 20-30 lbs.
 
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Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
1) bad compression gauge, 2) incorrect compression test procedure, 3) compression gauge not sealing in the plug hole. All three have nothing to do with the condition of the engine. I highly doubt all cylinders are bad -- and bad in the same range. You mentioned "bad rings" but "stuck rings" due to carbon deposits can cause low compression. Otherwise you hit the most common issues.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
If the numbers are right, neither one of the motors is running (presumably). Might try a different screw in gauge -- test with both plugs out; pull it over repeatedly until the needle stops rising (maybe four or five pulls).
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,113
Warped head and damaged piston crown are two more causes. Poorly done sparkplug thread repair is another
 
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