What does a lack of pressure indicated by a compression tester suggest?

A lack of pressure indicated by a compression tester suggests potential valve issues because adequate compression in an engine is essential for proper combustion. Compression is created when the piston moves up in the cylinder and seals against the cylinder head. If there is low pressure, it often points to a failure in this sealing process, which can be caused by issues such as burnt or improperly seated valves, which may not close completely, allowing gases to escape.

For example, if the intake or exhaust valves are not functioning correctly, it can lead to loss of compression, indicating that the engine is not performing optimally. Low compression can make it difficult for the engine to start or run smoothly, as it reduces the amount of air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber.

While potential valve issues is the primary concern when there is a lack of pressure, the other choices, while relevant to engine performance, do not directly correlate with the immediate implication of low compression readings. Incorrect fuel timing would affect the timing of combustion rather than directly causing pressure loss. Excessive engine temperature may be a result of various issues but is not a direct indicator of low compression. Clogged fuel injectors affect fuel delivery rather than affecting the compression in the cylinder directly. Thus, the concern of low compression is most