84 Columbia rebuild problem

Antem2000

Hi I've been following this forum for a while but have not found an answer to this question. I had low compression on my 84 Columbia (about 50 psi) so I opted to replace the piston, jug, and rings. I gapped the rings to spec and put it back together but when the head is torqued down, the engine won't turn over. If I loosen the bolts a bit it turns over but I can't get a compression reading over 65. Has anyone ever had this problem or have a suggestion how to solve it?

Thanks!

BGW

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Lochlin

A few things:

1) Make sure you are torquing the head to spec, 20-25 lbs. Any more can distort the head gasket and cause compression loss.

2) Make sure that your compression tester is working right. I once tore a cart apart two times trying to get good compression only to find out my tester was bad.

3) Assuming your bolts are torqued right there are really only three places where compression can be lost: piston / rings, head gasket area, and spark plug hole. As your top end is new you should be ok there. Do the soap / water trick near where the jug attaches to the case to find leaks.

Antem2000

Thank you Lochlin I will try your suggestions this weekend!