• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Normal Cranking Pressure?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Realmongo
  • Start date Start date Oct 28, 2005

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Oct 28, 2005
#1
  • Oct 28, 2005
  • #1
Typically what is the normal cranking pressure of a 5.0 when doing a compression test?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Oct 28, 2005
#2
  • Oct 28, 2005
  • #2
It depends upon the method used. 120-160 seems to be fairly common amongst members here.
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Oct 28, 2005
#3
  • Oct 28, 2005
  • #3
HISSIN50 said:
It depends upon the method used. 120-160 seems to be fairly common amongst members here.
Click to expand...

JT is correct, but from what I recall, you don't want to see more than 5-10% difference between cylinders.
 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Oct 28, 2005
#4
  • Oct 28, 2005
  • #4
HISSIN50 said:
It depends upon the method used. 120-160 seems to be fairly common amongst members here.
Click to expand...

I did a compression check and all cylinders except for 2 were right about the 150 mark. Number 2 was 130 and number 4 was 119. The engine is not burning oil, so I am guessing I have a couple of valves/seats in need of some TLC.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Oct 28, 2005
#5
  • Oct 28, 2005
  • #5
Matt is correct about the percentages - having them all within 10% is much more important than absolute numbers.

If wanting to roughly compare numbers to other members' numbers, one should:

Do the test on a hot motor.
Have the ignition and/or fuel system disabled.
Have the throttle at WOT.
Have a charger on the battery in case it drains as you crank.

On those two weaker pots, I would try doing a wet compression test on them. I would not at all be surprised if the pressure went a good ways up. If it does, that suggests your rings are letting a little compression bleed past.

A leakdown test is the next step up for further compression-based testing.

Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Engine Evap and charcoal cannister leak
  • ryan1994stang
  • Mar 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
375
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 18, 2026
Mcmahst
L
Engine Why won't the motor start if I have spark and fuel
  • LeviAnderson
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
381
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
8
Electrical Crank-no start ... no spark ... no injector pulse, was it something I did? (redux)
  • 85gtCOBRA
  • Oct 28, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
491
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 29, 2025
85gtCOBRA
8
D
Fuel Erratic Fuel Pressure 1985 GT
  • DienstXIV
  • Jan 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
622
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 16, 2026
AeroCoupe
S
All power lost at crank
  • saf_blu302
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
4
Views
197
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Mar 12, 2026
General karthief
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?