Compression check

[Charlie Foxtrot]

I like your approach. May I suggest doing a simplified cylinder leak down test while you have the plugs out. A worn valve, or mildly scored cylinder could account for the the low #1. Put some compressed air into the cylinder and see where it comes out. Also, how's the coolant look? Can you ask the prior owner about his coolant? If you hear reports of brown sludge, or serious discoloration, you may have combustion gasses getting into the coolant. Otherwise, its most likely just worn parts. good luck.

[Insco2]

I did add some oil to the cylinder and ran the test on #1 again, it did rise 5 psi.
Is a varied reading that far apart common. I agree with wearing parts. Just for sake of argument say it was valves and it did need a valve job. Would an increase in pressure across 5 cylinders say 30 psi be noticeable?

[Insco2]

I guess if I was going to do a head gasket, would putting a fresh head on it by worth the effort?