2ZZ-GE Compression Testing

[shazam]

Hi Guys,

I'm on my third corolla and decided this time to go for the 2ZZ powered Fielder Z station wagon with the 6 speed box. Loving the decision its so much more car then my 1ZZ equivalent.

When I purchased it I had it in at Toyota to get a looking over. In the process it failed its compression test (230, 155, 255, 255). This got me a bit worried at the time but speaking with the tech manager he said it could be nothing to worry about as he's seen them fail then pass a test after driving 5 mins down the road.

It drives great and pulls hard as far as I can tell. Idles perfect etc etc. But now I'm paranoid on the test result for no other reason then its the numbers they gave me.

Anyone got any thoughts should I get it tested again now I've distance driven it hot? (was sitting around for awhile not being driven much) or anyone got any tips for diagnosing if I have an issue?

[RS13]

From the Toyota manual.. good compression for a 2ZZGE is 203psi or more. Minimum 145psi, max difference between cylinders is 16psi. You've got reason enough to re-check it.

[Dell'Orto]

The overall number isn't as important as them being even, which yours clearly are not. I would look to have a leakdown test done and see where the compression is going.

[matt dunn]

I have a 2ZZGE fielder as well, good cars.

I would get it redone and probably somewhere else,
and make sure you ask that it is done with the engine at operating temperature as it makes a difference.

[RS13]

Yeah my older sister still has her 2ZZGE RS180. Superb engines, too bad they put them in relatively heavy cars.

[shazam]

Just thought I'd update I had it compression tested again and was told it was "all good". To be honest though I dont really trust the guy as he wouldnt give me any detail on the readings. At least there was greasy handprints on the bonnet so he might have done it but he definitley seemed a bit shady. it also didnt take the correct amount of gear redline gear oil I provided (.5L short and should have done myself). And the sticking stater solenoid on occassion is no problem "dont worry". Ah well.

On the plus side still going strong! I have the "gearbox" noise on deceleration too but it hasnt got any worse in the last year and I suspect as others elude that its common and not necessarily a failure about to happen. At a guess the car might have got an aftermarket clutch which might be causing. might.

Seems like a really strong engine and is at least 10 times more car then my 1zz. The biggest thing I find is it does make consideraby more power down low then the 1zz which often isnt mentioned. Only thing Im not a massive fan of is the gear ratios. First is pretty low geared and gets going really well and if you ride it right to the redline and do it well you can keep it on high lift through 2nd and 3rd. If you dont nail it then it will come off lift. So I find 2nd onward gearing a bit too high. Except when you get to 6th which still has you revving at 3 grandish at 110. Anyway may be just me but the gearing is the only thing I'm not totally stoked on. that said if I drove it geared differently maybe Id have something else to say.

Back to things I love though... beating someone in my rolla when the old go juice kicks in at 6grand. that never gets old.

Thanks for the help guys and happy motoring.

[RS13]

My sister's 6spd has that noise as well.. sounds terrible, like bearings on the way out. So hard to keep on lift between gears! You have to time it perfectly and shift literally a split second before the rev limit.. still quick wee cars though. That engine in the likes of a stripped out AE82 would make for a very quick little car.