SBC compression ??

I have a 327 that has been sitting for 2-3 years. It was running when we pulled it out, just have not needed it yet. I bought a truck to put it in, so I checked the cylinder pressure out of curiosity. It only has 20-30 lbs on all 8 cylinders? Could this be caused from sitting?

I am rolling it over by hand with a ratchet on the crank. It ran ok before and did not smoke. It is very clean in the lifter valley and under the valve covers (no sludge). The car it came out of before I got it had been sitting for 15 or so years. It has later model (1976) heads on it.

any input would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
CJ

 

Before checking compression, run the engine, get it up to operating temperature. Then the readings might be useful. If you're cranking it over by hand instead of with the starter motor, your numbers should be very low like that.

 

Oil up the cylinder walls before you do any serious cranking.
This will help you keep from breaking a ring, and it will provide a compression seal for your reading.

327--niceeeee

 

i don't think cranking it by hand will give you enough speed to get an accurate measurement. i'd say if it was good 2-3 years ago it's still ok

several years ago i installed a 327 in a guys car that had been sitting 10-12 years...in fact it was stuck. after a little soaking with penetrating oil and some gentle persuasion with a long bar on the end of the crank it freed up. it ran fine and continues to run fine today

 

thanks for the info. I want to put a cam in it, but did not want to put $$$ in it if it is no good......