Ferguson TO-30 No Compression On #2 Cylinder

[KCTractors]

Working on a TO-30 that has compression on the #2 cylinder. First cylinder had 100 lbs +, #2 maybe 5lbs, #3 100 lbs+ as will as #4 cylinder. Removed the head thinking that maybe the valves were sticking but all the valves were moving up and down as they should. The head gasket looked normal. I found that I could move the pistons from side to side in the sleeves but #2 won't move any more then the others. Removed the piston thinking that a broken ring or rings and they were all good and free. The sleeve was in great shape.
I then tipped the head upside down and filled the caterers with gasoline. No gas leaked down at all, so I come to the concussion that the valves are fine. I then removed the top ring of the piston and put the ring in the sleeve. I found that there has to be a 1/8" ring gap in the ring. I am thinking that somebody has put in the wrong rings in the pistons. I pulled #3 piston also and the same thing. Why would #3 have 100 lbs compression and #2 nothing?
I am thinking that they put rings for TO-20 which the sleeve bore is 1/16" smaller. I wouldn't think that TO-20 & TO-30 would take same rings. Any suggestions?

 

[Jim.ME]

Working on a TO-30 that has compression on the #2 cylinder. First cylinder had 100 lbs +, #2 maybe 5lbs, #3 100 lbs+ as will as #4 cylinder. Removed the head thinking that maybe the valves were sticking but all the valves were moving up and down as they should. The head gasket looked normal. I found that I could move the pistons from side to side in the sleeves but #2 won't move any more then the others. Removed the piston thinking that a broken ring or rings and they were all good and free. The sleeve was in great shape.
I then tipped the head upside down and filled the caterers with gasoline. No gas leaked down at all, so I come to the concussion that the valves are fine. I then removed the top ring of the piston and put the ring in the sleeve. I found that there has to be a 1/8" ring gap in the ring. I am thinking that somebody has put in the wrong rings in the pistons. I pulled #3 piston also and the same thing. Why would #3 have 100 lbs compression and #2 nothing?
I am thinking that they put rings for TO-20 which the sleeve bore is 1/16" smaller. I wouldn't think that TO-20 & TO-30 would take same rings. Any suggestions?

Did you check valve lash to see if one of the valves on the cylinder was too tight?

 

[Jim L WA]

He says he poured gas in the chambers and none leaked out, so it sounds like the valves are seating.
K.C. Just a thought, but there has to be something to compress, could the intake for number 2 be blocked in the manifold?

 

[KCTractors]

He says he poured gas in the chambers and none leaked out, so it sounds like the valves are seating.
K.C. Just a thought, but there has to be something to compress, could the intake for number 2 be blocked in the manifold?

Nothing in the manifold, I removed the manifold from the head , nothing in it.

 

[Jim.ME]

Did you check valve lash before you pulled the head off?

 

[KCTractors]

Did you check valve lash to see if one of the valves on the cylinder was too tight?

No, I didn't and I do not know why I didn't. Senior Citizen moment I guess. Will reassemble the engine. I have to wait for the head gasket to come now.

 

[KCTractors]

Did you check valve lash to see if one of the valves on the cylinder was too tight?

Jim.Me, I have assembled the engine back together and you were right on with a valve to tight on number 2 cylinder. I don't know why I didn't check that. Thanks

 

[Jim.ME]

Jim.Me, I have assembled the engine back together and you were right on with a valve to tight on number 2 cylinder. I don't know why I didn't check that. Thanks

Not glad you found it this way but it is good you have found a possible cause now.