HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Twin Cam => Topic started by: roadking705 on March 25, 2019, 05:37:45 PM

Title: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: roadking705 on March 25, 2019, 05:37:45 PM
What happens when there is a difference in compression ratios between the cylinders? What would be the max % allowable to not impact performance?  Bike is a 2005 touring model. Don't know the numbers.
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: koko3052 on March 25, 2019, 09:29:21 PM
Up to 10% is ok...after that start planning a budget.
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: Hossamania on March 26, 2019, 04:46:10 AM
Since it is a 2005, it probably doesn't have compression releases, but if it does, check them for leaks, swap them between cylinders and check numbers again.
How many miles on the motor?
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: Mattbastard on March 26, 2019, 05:05:56 AM
If your lifters aren't pumped up when you check compression you could be off a few PSI.  One time I did a test and I had a pushrod that shortened (lock nut slipped loose) and I had about 50 psi more on that cylinder because the new intake close was much closer to BDC than the cam intended. 
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: Y2KRKNG on March 28, 2019, 06:54:00 AM
If the rear is lower you should be nice and even after a full warm-up. My rear runs about 50* hotter than front and that should equate to 5-10psi cylinder pressure. Not sure if it works that way, but it's been in the back of my mind for awhile now so throwing it out here.
Would an engine builder ever try to build a engine that is even at full operating temp instead of CCP?

In your case, before you touch a wrench, I'd check and recheck. Always be suspect if the 2nd hole tested reads lower than 1st, could be weak battery.
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: nosjunkie on March 28, 2019, 07:17:56 AM
Do a leak down.. then you know where the issue is.
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: 1workinman on March 31, 2019, 02:26:20 PM
Quote from: Y2KRKNG on March 28, 2019, 06:54:00 AM
If the rear is lower you should be nice and even after a full warm-up. My rear runs about 50* hotter than front and that should equate to 5-10psi cylinder pressure. Not sure if it works that way, but it's been in the back of my mind for awhile now so throwing it out here.
Would an engine builder ever try to build a engine that is even at full operating temp instead of CCP?

In your case, before you touch a wrench, I'd check and recheck. Always be suspect if the 2nd hole tested reads lower than 1st, could be weak battery.
Not sure but I think that since the rear runs hotter that the timing on the rear cylinder is different
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: aswracing on April 01, 2019, 07:11:17 AM
Quote from: roadking705 on March 25, 2019, 05:37:45 PM
What happens when there is a difference in compression ratios between the cylinders? What would be the max % allowable to not impact performance?  Bike is a 2005 touring model. Don't know the numbers.

Compression ratio is something that's designed into the motor. If both cylinders have the same displacement, the same piston dome & valve pocket volumes, the same chamber sizes, and the same gaskets, the compression ratios will be the same, within the tolerances of the parts involved. Carbon buildup levels can also have a slight effect.

The compression you get, however, will vary with things like ring seal, valve seal, variances in cam timing (particularly IVC), etc.
Title: Re: compression ratio difference between cylinders
Post by: Boe Cole on April 03, 2019, 12:31:43 PM
Quote from: koko3052 on March 25, 2019, 09:29:21 PM
Up to 10% is ok...after that start planning a budget.
:agree: