So.. I just got a 96 ranger 2wd.. it's having compression issues. I checked the compression of all four cylinders. 1st cylinder was 100psi, 2nd was 75psi, 3rd was 145psi, and 4th was 151psi. How do I get that compression up? An easy way without having to change out my rings. Just looking for simple tricks. I took some oil and put a few drops and put it in my spark plug port into the cylinder. That hasn't seemed to help. Can anybody give me ideas?

 

Welcome to the forum

1996 4cyl Ranger will have a 2.3l SOHC Lima engine, expected compression would be 165PSI at sea level to 2,000ft elevation
It has a timing belt, and it needs to be changed every 80-100k miles
When it gets older it can slip and that will lower compression.

You need to remove 1 spark plug from each cylinder first, before doing compression test
Then you can test each
Battery plays a part in results, i. e. crank speed from starter motor << this is also why other cylinders need spark plugs removed, crank speed

You may have a blown head gasket between #1 and #2
Put spark plug back in #2 and test #1 again, see if #1 goes up
And visa versa testing #2

Blown head gasket or cracked head test
Pull off rad cap
Pull off overflow hose
Block overflow hose port on rad: gum, putty, vacuum cap, ???
Put a latex glove over rad cap opening and seal it in place with rubber band or zap strap
(or use a balloon or even a condom on rad cap opening)

Disable spark, pull 3 wire connector on each coil pack, you want a no start
All spark plugs are in, for this test

Crank engine and watch Glove
If it bounces then you DO have a blown head gasket or cracked head

If Glove just lays there then you do NOT

100% reliable for do or do not