Volks--

I've been trying to sleuth out yet another prob on my '84 1.9: erratic idle,
compression noise under load, low (er) power on hills, harder starting when
hot. I'm toying with the idea that there's a lifter problem, a valve
problem, or worse, ie., rings or head gaskets.

Now. I went out and got a vacuum guage and compression tester. However, I
can't find the correct specs for vacuum readings ANYWHERE in the Bentley or
the Haynes manuals. Am I missing something?

Nearest I can find, searching the archives, is that 8 in. is too low. Is
that right? What's the acceptable range?

What else am I looking for in this vacuum test? Just vacuum level?

Is there a way to pinpoint problems with it, or does it just tell you
"there's a problem?"

I want to try backing out the valve adjustment screws to give a .06 lash as
suggested by some of the heavyweights here (and in Bentley) but understand
it's  better to read vacuum and compression before and after.

Thanks to all--

Geza