Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All, what should be a good PSI value for a 1955 350 Bullet, just rebored, new piston etc. valves re-lapped. I would expect that I could more or less stand on the kickstarter on the compression stroke but getting a measly 45psi at best. decamp' valve seems to be OK,

Before you start worrying about compression values , I would try a compression test on another engine. My compression tester failed after very little use and only read 70psi max

Not run at all? Don't expect full pressure straight off. Rings dry or oiled?


Double check the tappet settings, in fact loosen them off and recheck compression. A thou or two actual clearance can make a substantial difference.


110psi is considered normal.

So dry at the ,moment. This has not run yet since rebuild. I'm going to try your advice re: tappets as I had to adjust the exhaust side - it had loads of play, may have over done it, but I did check this already.
Thanks for the suggestions .... I'll report back tomorrow

Did you open the throttle wide before you kicked it over? If it can't get a decent lung full it won't have a decent compression reading. Also completely agree that you need to give it a run before expecting a full reading.

Hi Dan, I have had a similar problem and posted on this site earlier this year.I was advised to use a compression tester but never got round to it.I did try adding some oil to the cylinder and checking the compression again,it felt better which pointed to leakage from the rings. I was also advised to just ride it and have done so this summer. I am still not happy with the compression when kicking over, also using a bit of oil and have some oil leakage at the oil filler cap. I am planning to take it apart this winter to check things.
I would be interested to here what you find with yours. Andy.