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Mechanical Inspection: Compression

Check engine mechanical condition using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge or an engine analyzer. If using an engine analyzer, see engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. For specifications, see appropriate COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS table.

4-CYLINDER COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application Specification
Normal Compression Pressure
Altima 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
Frontier 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
Sentra & 200SX
1.6L 199 psi (14.0 kg/cm2 )
2.0L 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
240SX 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
Minimum Compression Pressure
Altima 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 )
Frontier 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 )
Sentra & 200SX
1.6L 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm2 )
2.0L 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 )
240SX 151 psi (10.6 kg/cm2 )
Maximum Variation
Between Cylinders 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 )
V6 COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application Specification
Normal Compression Pressure
Maxima 185 psi (13.0 kg/cm2 )
Pathfinder, QX4 & Quest 173 psi (12.2 kg/cm2 )
Minimum Compression Pressure (1)
Maxima 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm2 )
Pathfinder, QX4 & Quest 128 psi (9.0 kg/cm2 )
Maximum Variation Between Cylinders 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 )
(1) Minimum compression at 300-350 RPM.