1.6L 4-Cylinder Engine: General: Troubleshooting: Compression: Inspection

Check that the battery if fully charged. Recharge it if necessary.
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
Remove the center cover.
Disconnect the high tension lead and ignition coil.
Remove all spark plugs.
Connect a compression gauge to the No. 1 spark plug hole.

Fig 1: Testing Engine Compression
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Fully depress the accelerator pedal and crank the engine.
Record the maximum gauge reading.
Check each cylinder.

Fig 2: Engine Compression Specification Chart
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
If the compression in one or more cylinders is low, pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder and recheck the compression.
1. If the compression increases, the piston, piston rings, or cylinder wall maybe worn.
2. If the compression stays low, the valve may be stuck or seating improperly.
3. If the compression in adjacent cylinders stays low, the cylinder head gasket may be defective or the cylinder head distorted.