Thanks 5030, but wouldn't "blowby" be more an audible than a "visual" detection and are you saying excessive blowby can be present despite very good compression numbers? I agree 1700 hours are low on a diesel engine (especially for a 14 year old one) but my interest in the compression test stems from the fact the original Injector Pump had to be replaced by the dealer within a year of purchase and in the past year or two I can no longer get the engine to reach the higher RPM's necessary to efficiently run a brush hog and have even experienced a time or two of the engine "running away" which I'm attributing to a now failing Inj Pump (which I'm in the process of replacing): all of which to say I was very concerned about the possibility of the rings having been compromised at least a little if any of the above resulted in much "trash" entering the cylinders. Btw, my engine always starts easily regardless the ambient temps. Appreciate your expertise & input, 5030. I'm not highly experienced in the diesel world, but have done my share of wrenching on cars and military jets over the past 50 years. Thanks again.
CloverKnollFarms: Would you mind being more specific? Exactly where and how does it show and if a compression test (albeit on a Harbor Freight but brand new tool) shows compression at more than satisfactory values and no leak down, the oil & coolant show no signs of contamination from other fluids, etc., then what should I be looking for? Thanks.
. We are pushing 12,000-15,000 hours and no overhauls