Tag: petrol engine compression tester

Why bother doing a Compression Test on my Vehicle?

BERGEN Professional Comprehensive Master Compression Kit for Petrol and Diesel Engines BER5251

The condition of your engine is important for the smooth functioning of the car. A compression test can be used to identify engine problems. The test itself is simple and you need a basic compression tester to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition.

What is Compression Testing?

The engine is a self-powered pump and compression is one of the most important factors for its functioning. For gasoline engines, a good compression reading ranges between 140 and 160 pounds per square inch. There should be no more than a 10 percent difference in the readings of the different cylinders.

What will the Compression Test Tell me?

Low compression in one of the cylinders is a common cause of concern. It usually indicates problems with the exhaust valve. If the compression is low in two adjacent cylinders, you should have concerns about bad head gasket.

Low compression in all of the cylinders could be indicative of a broken timing belt. If the engine does not start and you have high compression in some cylinders and low compression in others, you will definitely need to consult a mechanic.

Compression that is higher than the normal range can also speak of engine problems. Too much compression for a very long period of time can damage the internal structure of the engine, which will demand costly repairs in the future.

When do I Need to Run a Compression Test?

You shouldn’t wait for a problem to occur before you perform a compression test. Doing it periodically will help you make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and that the engine functions properly.

To perform a compression test, you will need to start the car. Some people wonder whether the test can be carried out, if the vehicle cannot start. If the battery can still crank, a compression test can be performed without starting the engine. In the case of “cold engine” testing, the compression reading will be lower than the specifications for the particular engine.

Tips for Performing a Compression Test

Performing the compression test accurately is essential for identifying any engine problem. You have to follow a series of simple steps.

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  1. Buy a compression tester kit – it contains everything that you need for the procedure. Manual testers are the one generally available in automobile stores. Engine analysers are the other possibility but they are mostly used by professionals.
  2. Start the car and allow the engine to reach its operational temperature. Stop the engine. The next step involves removing the glow plugs or injectors. Do not touch hot engine parts or parts that are still moving. Relying on the manual provided by the vehicle manufacturer will simplify the task.
  3. Screw the compression tester into the glow plug hole. Disconnect the fuel shut off valve to disable the injection pump. Turn the engine over six to eight revolutions and make sure that the throttle is in the wide open position.

 

By this point, the tester should have recorded the highest reading for that cylinder. Release the engine pressure by pressing the bleed valve button; disconnect the tester and move on to the next cylinder.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide. For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com Or call: 020 8201 0588


A Guide to Using a Compression Tester Properly

Professional Petrol Engine Compression Tester AU071Compression is an important measure of an engine’s functioning. The engine can be seen as an air pump that is self-powered. In order to deliver the best performance, the engine needs good compression.

A compression tester is the tool that measures engine pressure. It provides information about faulty valves and worn pistons that could cause low compression and the poor performance of your car’s engine.

What is Compression Testing?

If you want to perform DIY compression testing, you will have to rely on a manual tester. An engine analyser is another possibility but it is common among professionals. Keep in mind that the equipment needed to examine compression in gasoline and diesel engines is different.

The test should be performed periodically or when you are experiencing some problems with the car. A loss of vehicle power is most commonly caused by low compression. The compression gauge can be used to assess the pressure that the piston exerts on the fuel inside the engine.

Compression gauges are relatively affordable. If you are serious about keeping your car in top condition, investing in a compression tester is the right thing to do.

Why is It Important to Check the Engine Compression?

Different engines require different amount of pressure to function properly. For gasoline engines, the average compression ranges between 140 and 160 pounds per square inch (psi). A compression below 85 psi is a sign of serious problem.

Very high compression is a cause of concern, as well. Too much pressure will result in issues like resignation that can damage the internal structure of the engine. As already mentioned, there is a difference between gasoline and diesel engines. Diesel engines require a much higher compression because the pressure is needed to ignite the diesel. Compression of 350 psi is normal for diesel engines.

Tips for Performing a Compression Test Accurately

To perform a compression test on your diesel vehicle, you will have to follow several steps.

Make sure that you have everything necessary. You will need a compression tester kit. The average kit contains the fittings that should be used for replacement of injectors and glow plugs.

Start the car and allow the engine to reach the normal operating temperature. Stop it and remove all of the injectors or glow plugs. You may need the manufacturer’s manual to deal with the engine, especially if you have never done it before. Be very careful about touching hot or moving engine parts.

The compression tester should be screwed into the injector or glow plug hole. Double check before moving to the next step.

Disable the fuel injection pump by disconnecting the fuel shut off valve. The throttle should be in the wide open position before you turn the engine over six to eight revolutions. As you do that, the compression tester will record the highest value reached.

BERGEN Comprehensive Diesel Engine Compression Tester Kit BER5252Depress the bleed valve button to release all of the engine pressure. Unscrew the compression tester and move on to the next cylinder.

If the compression tester records a value below 100 psi for one of the cylinders, you may try pouring a teaspoon of oil in before retesting. A higher reading the second time will indicate a piston problem.

Doing compression testing can help you pinpoint accurately engine problems. Buy a good compression tester kit and learn how to follow the necessary steps. The test will make you a more informed owner and help you figure out what kind of repair will be needed.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


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