Low Compression in one cylinder

[ChargeR]

So if you miss a gear and bounce off the limiter a K20 will bend valves? Surely not.

Sorry I should have been more clear, I meant a missed shift as in changing from the redline in 3rd to 2nd, no idea how it happens but every second guy on ClubRSX seems to have done it. Valve float and piston to valve contact results at the 5 figure RPMs attained.

[tinkerbell]

Would it be worth while getting it tested again elsewhere or with a different gauge or method?

it WOULD be worth doing a leak down test, but only to use as a bargaining tool to get the price down...

Is there anything else which could affect the reading?

besides what?

The workshop which did the test suggested that cleaning out some carbon build up from the engine could bring compression back up a little. Is this worth looking into?

no - the compression is down A LOT, bringing it up "a little" is not going to change that...

Judging from the condition of the rest of the car the owner treats it well. he has a compression test from 2 years ago when he purchased it and it came back good. He also has receipts and logs from regular servicing and even fuel logs for the last 2 years to show me its fuel consumption.
I'm actually a bit concerned as to how this could happen to the engine as I've seen far far worse cars out there which get completely neglected.

you haev seen worse compression tests?

And just incase anyone was wondering the engine has done around 90,000km's

a dropped cylinder in a 90k engine is not a good sign as to its future longevity...

[tinkerbell]

btw - you get prices on the item I mentioned in post #7

maybe fatboyz could provide a guide?