Super low compression

[coachhejl]

2008 Vento Triton.

Took a chance for $150. Owner said "we parked it one winter and wouldn't start after that, no spark".

After noodling with the carb, draining gas, checking spark...etc. it was all cleaned up and good.

Compression is like under 40psi.

I guess my question is this...is it hard and/or economical to replace whatever needs to be replaced to fix this?

Piston and head right? With all the gaskets, etc...?

Or just ditch it and move on?

[coachhejl]

Ok so it may be the harbor freight compression tester.

Going to use a different one before I declare it low compression.

[milly]

Stick a little oil down the plug hole. If compression gets better it will be in need of rings piston barrel but you might be lucky and just gummed rings.
If compression stays the same could be sticky valve/ valves.
Again might get lucky and just want grinding in or freeing up.