Don't think water or anti-freeze....no.
It is a lot like Lucas said.
That, Libby, is something I did not think about. THAT could VERY well be.
This little 83 Jetta spent a lot of it's life as a tow-behind RV vacation car. Impossible to determine "running" miles. Then, a young lady owned it and, well....what can I say?
Some amazing stuff here: original pistons with NO ridge.....some glaze. Guides have some wear. The car sat for three months and turned over with a twist of the key. Compression stone cold at 380-385-400-405 (stone cold remember). My guage actually runs about 15 or more pounds less than my friends AST brand guage on the comp. tester.
Grant rings....guides.....valves? Head and deck sure look flat with my new straight edge. Have not pulled the pan yet. Anyone for black jello?
Edit: Plus, I suspect this engine might have not seen good hot operating temps most of it's life.....short hops, etc. My young friend is on a budget. Will plastiguage the bearings and such. I've never opened up one of these and seen bores with no ridge.