I've purchased a harbor freight compression tester for $30.

Do I just unplug each coil and one spark plug to check each cylinder?

How hard is it to replace the rings?

If only one cylinder has low compression, should I still swap out rings on the rest?

 

Better to take all the spark plugs out. Are there instructions included with the tester?

If the results are good, then you're good. If there's too much variance, then you'll want to do a cylinder leak down test to determine where the compression is leaking out. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-engine-56053/

 

I haven't opened the box yet.

Thanks for the link.

I was also suggested it could be turbo related. If all cylinders have good compression, would the turbo be the next place to look? Or could the leak down test tell me if it's the head gasket?

The cloud of smoke only happens after I've given it throttle. But does have some small idle smoke and smell.

 

If the compression is good on all 4 cylinders, that would be good news, the basic engine is in good condition. The turbocharger could be leaking oil, could also be the PCV valve stuck open (there was a lot of sludge in the engine, right? ). After those 2, I can't think of anything else.

But before you'd go after 1 of those, you'd want to be sure it's oil that's getting into the exhaust. Could be coolant. So keep an eye on the fluid levels.

 

Don’t open the box. You can get a loaner from Autozone. (Basically you pay full price for their used loaner and return it for full credit.)

You’re learning a lot with all the work you’re doing; why not invest in on-line access to a real shop manual?

 

I'll just keep it or say it didn't work. Only $30.

Do you have a link?

First 2 are at 135~psi each. Is this normal?

 

HF rarely asks questions on returns.
You have to check all 4; you are looking for less than 15% variation. If 3 are 135 and 1 is 125 you know which one to look at.

 

They all measured 130/135 (can't tell on this gauge)
And yes I reset it each time

1. 
   

 

Are the plugs oily or steam cleaned or just a nice brown. https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...ck-spark-plugs

 

Even with variations in readings if you were to try a different tester, that's pretty low compression. A healthy engine would be around 180, plus or minus. 100 would be bad.

Let's see what the other cylinders say, but I'm guessing you're heading to a leak down test.

Have you tried a "wet" test yet? That's usually good for diagnosing rings.