Results of Compression Test?

OK I know I'm a newbie, I bought my 03 Boxster without even test driving it..... But I got smart and had a PPI on a '99 996 I am looking to purchase. The compression test was 4% all around, is that acceptable numbers? The engine was replaced by Porsche in 2004, and replacemnt engine has about 12,000 miles on it. He said brakes 50%, air filters dirty, there was an annoying noise on steering column, but not sure what it was. In addition, when I asked about the bottom being dry, he said the left cam had seepage as well as a bit on bottom transmission, but he said it did not concern him... My car is bone dry.... Help guys, I need advice before I call the seller back.... So if anyone can provide some sage advice quickly I will be in their zooomy debt HELP.

That's fine, generally you like to see 5% variation cylinder to cylinder. If all your cylinders are at 96% that's fine (they are never 100%), if 5 were at 96%, and one was down at 40%, that's a problem.

Thanks Chris, Thats good news, What do you think about the seepage? Is that something I should be concerned about? Robert

I'd be more concerned about the 'noise' in the steering, oil leaks can be fixed.

Well, I adressed that with the PPI tech and the seller, as I was initially concerned, both said it was noticable, but both also said it was a cockpit noise and not something like a power steering pump whine. I haven't actually seen the car yet, but at the money I got the car for I wasn't going to make a big deal about it. I was kinda hoping he had the telescopic all the way in, I have it a centimeter or two out in my boxster, and I figured maybe it might be as simple as that. Thanks for the advise I really appreciate it!!!

Ask the shop that performed the PPI to fax or email you their results, they should give you a multipage report. Also find out the location of the oil on the bottom of the transmission. If you're dealing with an RMS leak than you need to include the cost of the repair into the price of the sale (or run away...) I would also want to know why the engine was replaced in 2004.

Thanks for the insightful questions Jason, I did ask him, Transmission leak is coming from the pan (far from the connection between engine/trans). Phew.... They are going to tighten bolts. and the engine was replaced due to catastrophic failure (I think)? One of valves cracked. I was faxed all of the documentation from the Porsche dealer that replaced the engine in Boston. Only problem with PPI is he said he put results on receipt, I was disappointed not to have standard form. It was $218 including compression test, I think that was pretty cheap. He said because of good compression test, he did not think leak down was necessary. And the receipt was put in car which is with broker... All in all, I was thankful for compression test, but it seemed a bit too informal for me. I think he was busy... Oh well.

No one should be too busy to answer your questions. You should feel completely comfortable with the sale otherwise walk away. There are plenty of 996's around. Everything looks accounted for except the interior noise. Do you have the car?

FWIW, a compression test and a' leakdown test' are one in the same

Yes eric, thats what I thought.... and it did make me feel nervous. But although there are many 996's around, I wasn't going to buy such an old one because of the russian roulette with the engines. I feel safer with a later replacement engine and the tip to relieve some pressure on the seal. I found this car by accident, and made a low offer on it because of the market for them. ( I could be fooling myself tho0 The PPI guy specializes in Porsches it's EPE outside Boston, He even knew the owner, and said from what he knew, the owner was a meticulous owner. BUt I agree not the most professional treatment. I don't have the car, but I consented to the deal with tightening the tranny pan bolts. The noise... We'll see, I should be able to pick up the car next week.

Chris, OMG is that true? I wonder why I was told about them as 2 different tests? Hmmmm Thanks this is the best Porsche forum!!!

He may mean something else, but a cylinder leakdown test and a cylinder compression test are the same in my book, lord knows I've done enuff of 'em!

Actually a leakdown test uses compressed air and is different than a simple compression test. Do a search on the topics.

yeah, it's difficult talking to the service shops when I am not an expert enthusiast. I bought my boxster new and all I do is drive it, put in gas, and get the oil changed... I know absolutely nothing. They could tell me anything. And I feel like they look at me with the attiutude that I am not a part of the secret club, and don't have the handshake.... But I have tried to be an informed buyer. I started thinking about buying a car a couple weeks ago, so I quickly did my homework on PCA site, and excellent forums like this in the last couple weeks while I was looking for a 993, but searching the net, I was shocked at high values of 993 versus the low values of 996. and most in low to mid 30's did not have excellent service records. In any other car it would not make sense. Then I just happened upon this car while snooping for a 993 he had. It seems like the safest bet without going to the dealer. My local dealer in Fairfield CT has a 1999 cab for $43,995 with 37k miles. And he told me with a straight face, like it was a bargain.... oh well, again thanks and I hope I'm going to love this car as much as my boxster. More even!!!

thanks mitch, now that you said it, that rings a bell. I think they can listen for leaks with leakdown and possibly find weak areas, gaskets ????? Well they didn't do it and I already agreed for sale. I think it should be ok, thanks for the clarification.

Not sure what the value of compressed air would be in evalauting cylinder leakage, sounds like something they do in a filling station. A compression test measures the ability of the cylinder to seal, ie rings, gaskets, valves and guides you to a fix, if the cylonder can't hold compression then it's leaking from one of the formentioned areas. Instilling compressed air and listening for leaks around gaskets sounds absurd, please tell me they didn't charge you for that 'test'.

No Chris, they didn't.... Thank god cuz i would have been none the wiser. I just got off the phone with the broker he is FED EX'ing the titel to me today!!!! I will get temp plates and send him payment when I get the title. I was a bit suprised at the trusting of him, which definitely helps me feel secure with long distance sight unseen deal. Broker also said he took car back to EPE because when they disconnected the battery they did not set radio code, and old owner lost it. So they removed radio and called Porsche. He also mentioned they fixed a foglamp switch. So apparently, EPE's relaxed, don't bother me attitude did not preclude him from doing a pretty thorough inspection. He didn't mention to me it was fixed. I should be driving the 996 by next Sunday because he has to go out of town to big car auction in PA next Weds. Getting excited.....

galeriehughie, If you are buying from Dave Maynard and he is not concerned with the leaks than I wouldn't worry. His reputation for finding good cars is well deserved. As well, the shop (EPE) that did your PPI is probably considered the number 1 or 2 shop on the east coast for 964, 993 & 996 race prep and repair (that doesn't mean they don't make mistakes) so don't confuse the owners laid back attitude for carelessness. A leakdown and compression are similar but not the same thing. A compression test will tell you if there are problems from cylinder-to-cylinder. The leakdown test will help you pinpoint any problems. The main difference is that during a compression test you are using the engine (by cranking the starter) to compress air and measure cylinder pressure. While during a leakdown test you use an external source of compressed air. With the engine turning over (compression test) you can't really tell if the problem is with valvetrain, rings, gaskets, etc.

Thanks Jason, That is great to hear, I am buying from Dave and he has been awesome to work with. He always dealt with any concern I had. Highly recommended. It's great that someone on here knows of him!!! He sent me a great picture of the new Porsche engine when the car was done I didn't know of EPE's good reputation, thats another good thing to hear, especially since I received the title this morning!!!! I can't wait to start driving with the big boys, although I think I'll always love my Boxster. It will be great to have coupe and cab!

I still think instilling compressed air is a waste of time, (from my experience) there's no way to 'pinpoint' a problem with any certainty. Besides, if you've got a cylinder down, it's time to tear down the motor, all else is a matter of symantics. Let's not go astray here, the man was asking about a car he's about to purchase.