Reply To: Copper rimmed head gasket advice

[drifter]

I always remove the exhaust cover on a “new to me” engine. Two reasons to do so: 1) check the baffle for signs of erosion and possible pin holes, and 2) move the pistons to a spot where you can see the rings and use a small screwdriver to push on the rings. you should see and feel the rings bounce back. If you don’t , the rings are stuck and that leads to the low compression numbers.