Subaru Repair: Low compression, head gasket problem, combustion gasses

Question
Hi Can a faulty radiator cause an engine to be low on compression on only one cylinder after the engine being recently reconditioned?
Surely the head gakets would go then the engine would over heat and then eventually the oil and water would mix?

Thanks

Answer
A faultly radiator cannot directly cause an engine to have low compression. But, if the engine overheats, head gaskets can blow, heads can warp or crack, and blocks can crack. Look that direction if, after having the compression measure, you really have a compression problem. Also, in most cases, a cylinder head problem usually does lead to water and oil mixing...but not with most Subaru. Usually, on a Subaru, the head gasket problem does not allow water into the oiling side. Usually, on a Subaru, the combustion gasses are pushed into the cooling side - causing the car to overheat, bubbles in the coolant overflow, or even coolant being pushed out of the overflow bottle.

Sounds like you are on the right track diagnosing this concern. If I can be of any more help, let me know.