Originally Posted by timjs

To an extent, I agree with you. People get too wrapped up in "low compression".
BUT, it's still an ABC engine, therefore zero interference when cold means there's going to be a gap at operating temperature between the piston and sleeve due to expansion.
With that said, I have plenty of old engines that have no "pinch" at all. With a lot of fuel ran through them.
They run good and I could probably use them if I needed to.
However, the first sign (in my experience) of lower compression is lack of a solid low idle. Which is when I rebuild or replace my engines.
So are they worn out?
They run.. just don't idle well.