Exhaust, Compression Test

Spent some time trying to discern if the exhaust was all or partially salvageable today.

Strategy:  Scotch-Brite pad, WD-40 and rag to clean off / check progress.
Result:  Right side header is likely okay, though ugly.  Left side may be a lost cause.
Evaluate:  Effective on light surface rust.  Not effective on anything else.

Note:  Some guy wrote me to tell me he swears by aluminum foil and soapy water.  Will try later.  More important numbers to check tonight. 

Also hooked up the compression gauge.

Strategy:  Remove both plugs, throttle open (slide carbs, not CV carbs), install compression gauge on desired cylinder, kicked the bike over such that desired cylinder endured 6 compression strokes.
Result:  See picture below.  Both cylinders lower than desired.  Left is MUCH lower than desired.
Evaluate:  Perhaps bike hasn't truly been fired up in a while.  Diagnose rings, valves, etc.  Need better test.

Notes:  Errors in this type of compression test are conservative in that they drive pressure lower.

What's next: 

• Need cylinder leak-down tester.  Cheap one will work -- not interested in the leakage value so much as the leakage mechanism.
• Explore stainless exhaust options (can always be repolished, unlike chrome exhaust)