Hi everyone, I have a 1976 Dodge Charger (Sport, maybe it’s a base model) with a 225 slant 6. I think it has original 79K miles. Let’s face it, I don’t think its 179K. When I got it few years ago, I was able to jump start it to load it up on my trailer and now I finally decided to do some work on it. I replaced the old gas tank, rebuilt carburetor, previous owner did some work on it by replacing the mechanical fuel pump and few odds and ends.
I have it running but its not tuned to drive down the street. I don’t mind having the original 225, its different but if it’s no good I would swap a new Hemi in it.
Before I waste more money and time on the engine the compression worries me as it should be about 120-130, I think and the plugs (unknown age) are all full of carbon and only one had some minor oil on it. See pictures attached.

Compression Cylinder 1 – 88 psi
Compression Cylinder 2 – 100 psi
Compression Cylinder 3 – 90 psi
Compression Cylinder 4 – 95 psi
Compression Cylinder 5 – 102 psi
Compression Cylinder 6 – 90 psi

Any opinions or the engine condition or opinion on putting in a doner 5.7-liter Hemi so I can use it as a daily driver.

Thank you all.

 

Put some Sea Foam in the fuel tank and in the crankcase... The rings may be stuck to the pistons from sitting... Drive it around if you can. it also may not be setting the valves all the way just yet... Need more driving time. If that dont help. Well then it will be time to go in and fix it, if you so desire.
Compression should be 100-125PSI...
Good Luck Keep us posted what you do...

 

I agree with Bob, before I would worry to much I would drive it a couple hundred miles then recheck.