Len,
The idea of the compression lever is to open it during cold weather while cranking to allow the engine to turn around a few times to get the “fluids” moving to lubricate. Then you close it and… presto!… the engine starts!
Or at least that's the idea behind it. It doesn't allow compression to build up but allows the engine to crank. It is supposedly to “reduce wear and tear”. Personally, I very rarely mess with it. Only when the 284 has sat a long time.
Jack
People are hilarious...
I'm supposed to choose and be in one of the 2 parties. And NEITHER is worth a damn!