

Consequently, compression builds up with the following strokes, but does not reach normal.

ENGINE CYLINDER COMPRESSION TESTER HOW TO
How To Do A Compression Test (Wet) Many automotive books describe, a dry and a wet compression test together. High performance long duration profile camshafts.There are some variables that affect the readings, obtained from compression testing: Other symptoms, may give you a clue to the problem. Be aware that a cylinder suffering from excessive oiling, even from bad rings, can yield high compression test results. Consequently, poor rings, usually cause this condition. This is why we try to crank, all cylinders the same amount. It may be possible to crank these cylinders enough times, to come close to, the other cylinder’s total PSI. Broken Piston Rings Problem cylinders, may have trouble pumping up and may increase, by only something like, 10 PSI per stroke. Usually, a cylinder will produce, about 40 PSI on the first stroke and 35 PSI, on each additional stroke. While watching the gauge, during the cranking, you should have noticed, the way each cylinder pumped up. Consequently, greater differences between cylinders, indicate worn or broken rings, leaky or sticky valves or a combination of all. So, as long as the lowest reading is, 100 PSI or better, then the engine is decent. Also, the difference between, the highest and lowest readings, should be no more than 20%. Uneven readings are not uncommon on high mileage or worn engines. In addition, that reading should be, above 135 PSI. Firstly, the best situation, is that all cylinders give the same or close to, the same reading. On the other hand, a compression of 85 PSI or lower, is extremely bad. So, as a general rule, a compression of 135 PSI or better, is excellent. There is more than one school of thought on, what the compression, of the average engine should be. Test all cylinders the same way, with the same number, of compression strokes.Note how fast the compression increases and write down the highest reading.You will hear the cranking speed slow, as the tested cylinder, comes up on it’s compression stroke.First of all, connect the tester to a cylinder and turn the engine over, 6 to 8 compression strokes.Avoid any flames around the engine, during the test.Have your helper, fully depress the accelerator, while he is cranking the engine.While doing the test, the throttle and choke plates, must be fully open, for an accurate test.Above all, wear protective clothing and gloves, while working around a hot engine.Start with a warm engine, the ignition and fuel disabled, and all spark plugs removed.Because, this will make it easier, to remove the plugs next time around.
ENGINE CYLINDER COMPRESSION TESTER INSTALL
Install and tighten the spark plugs, to the torque listed, in your vehicle repair manual, using a torque wrench. So, before warming up the engine, remove the spark plugs and add a dab of, anti-seize compound to the threads. This is very common, when you remove a spark plug, on a hot engine. Be aware, that late model engines, are mostly made of aluminum and therefore, are prone to spark plug thread damage.
