question on compression

[CTFSHWHISKER]

sure your gauge is right? i have 2 gauges,both craftsmen but they read different on the same motor.if i'm not mistaken those motors usually run in the 115lb range in good shape.i have seen a very signifant increase in compression with a de carb if it hasn't been done for awhile or the motor been setting.i picked up almost 20lb in 2 cylenders on my 96,4 was 120 +- a couple lbs,2 were 92 and 97,decarbed and they came up to 115 118.if its cheap enough a ring job isn't bad..
seen many run good and along time on 80-90 lb.

[DaveR]

having the throttle all the way open can make a difference. That is how all the books say to properly test complression. Warm Engine, WOT, and sufficient number of compression cycles to build it up. Were ya in the mountains, elevation above sea level will make a difference too.
The fact that this motor has such even compression indicates it is really dialed in, but being so low would scare me too. Like CFW said, a ring job may be all it needs. Those are a bit of hours on it. It'd be good to know how strong it runs. A ring job cheaper than machine shop work and new pistons. Can you get the price down due to low compression and sell the cost of a rebuild going to be $2K

When I sold my 95 Merc she was at exactly 95 psi on all six but it ran very very strong. Since I knew the motor, I wan't concerned