Compression

[Joekingiam]

Hi,
I bought a 2000 Insight wholesale - 177K and is very hard to start. What is compression supposed to be? When I got it started it would not idle cold at all. How does that idle gizsmo work?
Joe

[Insightful Trekker]

the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) of an Insight isn't much different than any other in reguard to compression.

Fully warm with good cranking RPM 150psi should be readily achieveable. Differences between cylinders should be less than 30psi or so. Much below 120 and your looking at a pending problem. Any values (hot or cold) of 100 or lower are insufficient to allow easy starting or decent power and indicate serious internal engine problems.

The IACV gizsmo rotates its thing-a-ma-jig by what the "brain box" tells it should. The brain ciphers how much iff'n on what that purdy lady in the movin picture box says how hot it is.

[Joekingiam]

Thanks for your reply,
My compression was 85, 110, 140. Obviously not good. I actually got it to start a couple times. I was thinking about putting new rings in from the bottom. Is it feasable with the engine out and upside down?

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by Joekingiam

Is it feasable with the engine out and upside down?

If your trying to make it harder than it needs to be (the upside down part).
The "engine out" part will make it easier.

But don't forget the valves condition and _measure_ cylinder & piston wear too. You'll need the FSM for all the tolerances, proceedures and precision torque values necessary for reassembly.

Re-use the timing chain, tensioners and guides? Not for my hard spent sweat, unless their already near new.

HTH!