Re: 1957 5.5 hp low compression

[Leon]

I would try a different compression guage. They have been known to be inaccurate
Very good motors. You will enjoy them.
If you find a little oil under the mag, that is coming out through the top bearing. A little bit will be normal, after almost sixty years. I would just clean it out completely when you tune it up. If it gets oily in there again real soon, then it may likely be a bad upper bearing. Also make sure that the little rubber hose on the side of the engine block is in good shape and doesnt leak