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Wondering if anyone has guidance on compression levels expected on a 32 211cu in 6 cyl Desoto. I am thinking 90-105psi, but I'm only getting 40 -50psi on it. Guessing I'm looking for a rebuild kit. Also wondering if the 33 and later blocks with same cylinder bore may have compatible parts, like valves, rings, head gasket. Thanks.
Hi Lynn: If your car has been sitting a long time then there is probably rust and crud on the valve seats and the rings are likely stuck in the grooves of the pistons. I'm not sure if you doing a full restoration or just want to drive. If you want to drive, pull the head and see what's happening in there. Maybe grind the valves and re-ring the pistons and....DRIVE! One useful item is to check the static compression. This is where you put each piston up to TDC and then pump air into the cylinder and see how much pressure drop you have and you can tell where it is going by listening to the oil filler, intake, exhaust, coolant. This will give you a better idea of what it needs.
Have a nice day
Steve
Steve_
Thanks for the reply! I am familiar with auto mechanics and an engineer by trade, but have never tore down a block and rebuilt, so I am learning by the gulpfull. My goal is to get it right for the next 30-50 years, assuming 1000-1500 miles per year. While I'm doing the engine work I plan to replace tranny seals if needed, and do a total cleanup, paint-up from beneath. Then do a replacement of wiring as it is an issue, and I inherited complete kit for this from previous owner. Then once its operationally sound do the paint outside and then the interior. I am open to any and all advice on sequence and approach. I am currently looking for compatible engine rebuild parts and it looks like the 32's and 33's shared common bores 3.25" i.e. rings, but different strokes. So I am trying to sort out what components are available/not available for a good machine shop to do the rebuild.
But before I launch into all that, I wanted to test the premise that the compression levels I was seeing and the blue smoke were definitive of needing a major rebuild.. Thanks again.
