Mis-adjusted (tight) valve lash will lower your cranking compression.
Adjust the valve lash and test again.
DD

So After putting this project off for a bit, I went in and changed the oil and oil filter just for kicks...the oil was super dilute (not cloudy though like there was water mixed in) and getting the old filter off was quite a fight. HOWEVER- now the engine doesn't spit oil out of the dipstick tube like it used to. It still runs rough but maybe it just needs a valve adjust. Do you, the experts, think that the piston rings are still bad? Or was the blow by just a symptom of really old oil?

Thanks

With the oil badly diluted chances are your fuel pump is leaking past the diaphagm into the crankcase. The diluted oil doesn't lubricate well and it doesn't allow the rings to seal well. Check that ASAP before you do some serious damage.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

I replaced the fuel pump recently as well... along with having new oil would that negate the possibility that the fuel is getting into the crankcase?

Thanks