Section 124 (Engine Mechanical (H4SO)): Compression: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Subaru Outback and 2002 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself during measurement.

After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to OFF.
Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
Release fuel pressure. Refer to RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , OPERATION, Fuel.
Remove all the spark plugs.
Fully open throttle valve.
Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance and operation.
Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark plug hole.
CAUTION: When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is steady.

Fig 1: Inspecting Compression
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (350 rpm and fully open throttle):
1. Standard; 1,275 kPa (13.0 kg/cm² , 185 psi)
2. Limit; 1,020 kPa (10.4 kg/cm² , 148 psi)
3. Difference between cylinders; 49 kPa (0.5 kg/cm² , 7 psi), or less