low compression

hey guys i got a 1988 mazda b 2000 with low compression what could it be if you could help me out with a list of what the possiblities are that would be great

low compression could be bad rings, gouged cylinder walls, bad headgasket, or valves not seating well. If you've got a compression tester, hook it to the engine and crank it 5 times (with the coil disconnected so it doesn't start of course). If you notice it's low, try shooting some oil into the cylinder and doing the test again. If the compression goes up, that means the rings are at fault. You could also pull the valve cover off and see if all the valves are fully closing. Don't bother with those chemicals and additives to increase compression, if it's low now, they aren't going to miraculously fix the engine, they only prevent small compression loses from getting bad too quick. good luck.