(Hal and Jim, don"t be afraid to contradict me. I will defer to your more extensive experience.)Dunnite, isn"t this the tractor that was spitting oil out the stack after you perhaps poured transmission fluid into the oil by mistake? Yes, this tractor will run with those readings. Someone (I forget whom) is fond of pointing out that they had a flat-head Ford V-8 that was winning races with 40 lbs. in each cylinder! But, in that famous instance, the compression was low but the differnce between cylinders was not great. I did the math, and came up with a seventeen percent difference between the highest and the lowest compression readings. That may be only marginally acceptable. The "wet" readings may be somewhat better. Compression testers are not completely accurate. And, a compression test itself is not the final authority. Nevertheless, it is my personal belief that if the gasket is now correctly installed, the valve train is functioning correctly, the plugs are all seated correctly, etc., and these are accurate readings, you are headed for a rebuild sooner or later. Also, you"ve named this tractor, which leads me to believe you are fond of it. If you don"t already know, delaying a rebuild by continuing to run a worn engine can lead to more extensive and expensive damage. Finally, there is a frustration factor. Again, the tractor will run with those readings. It may be quite hard to start, though. And, will it pull well enough to run a mower? You won"t know until you get it running and try; and my personal belief is that it will only pull well enough to cut thick or high grass if you make half a swath on each passage and stay in first or second gear. Very frustrating. If the cash is available, consider plunking it down for a rebuild now. If not, start saving. Hal? Jim?
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