Coolant leaking - low compression test - 93 Turbo

[rbnski]

I gave my son my 93 Turbo. Unfortunately, the coolant tank on top of the engine failed on the highway. Being extremely creative, he made a patch for the broken hose nipple and plugged the corresponding hose so he could get home. I had a spare tank so that wasn't an issue. The hose he blocked off went to the turbo. Not sure if that is an issue. Anyway, the coolant leak appears to be coming from seal between the water pump and the block. I am figuring that is the place to start. Must note that the engine seems to run okay though I haven't tried taking it up to speed. Just idling in the drive. On my way to tearing down the front of the engine, I did a compression test. 40-50psi on all cylinders - brand new guage.
Any thoughts?

[MRtuningCO]

did you prop open the throttle body?

[rbnski]

d'oh! didn't do that - back to the garage!

[Legacy777]

a closed TB shouldn't cause that low of compression pressures

[MRtuningCO]

eh, it was an idea.


maybe you didnt crank for long enough, did you wait until it wont build any more pressure?

[realfinn]

Would the engine start and idle properly at 50 psi on all cylinders?

The first time the crank turns over you should be up to at least 50 psi, I woud think.

If you try it again watch to see what the compression gage does on succesive strokes. Its important to note how the compression goes up when you use the gage. ie - needle jumps on first stroke then increases little by little on succesive strokes.

This isn't the first time the gage has been used is it? I know you said it was new.