I just completed a compression test on my 22RE engine. I have had a rough idle, and suspected the #2 cylinder. Pulled the plugs, and all of them were normal, but the #2 plug was black and oily.
The compression test proved to pinpoint the problem with the #2 cylinder.
Compression Test Results:
#1 About 185 Psi
#2 About 10 Psi same result with oil in the cylinder. (10 psi)
#3 About 185 psi
#4 About 185 Psi
As far as I know this points to a problem with the valve. I am thinking maybe a stuck valve? I am looking into the cost of a rebuilt head. 22RE Performance has one for about 500 dollars. My goal is to be able to pass CA smog. Right now the truck is to high on hydrocarbons. Probably because of the #2 cylinder/Valve problem. I am going to pull the valve cover and check the valves, and conditions under the valve cover.
Any suggestions? 
make sure the valves on #2 are not too tight or bent and wont move. pulling the valve cover will tell you a lot.
