Tag: compression tester kit

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.

Hilka Petrol Engine Compression Tester Kit HIL85420002

  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


How to Use a Compression Tester

BER5252NEWThe compression of your car’s engine is a very important characteristic for proper functioning. Poorly sealed cylinders can lead to serious issues that may eventually result in the rebuilding of the engine. Checking the engine’s compression involves an instrument called compression tester.

What is a Compression Tester?

The compression tester checks the valve and rings of the engine and it detects excessive carbon. There are two varieties on the market.

The threaded screw tester is screwed into the spark plug opening.

Alternatively, you can use a hand-held compression tester. If you choose this possibility, you will have to work with another person. Your helper will have to crank the engine while you are performing the test.

The traditional compression tester consists of an indicator dial gauge, a testing tube and a spark plug holder or a rubber tip in the case of a hand-held piece.

According to professionals, threaded screw compression testers provide more accurate readings.

How to Check the Engine’s Compression

The engine manufacturer will provide you with the correct compression reading. You should use it as a guideline while performing the test. Keep in mind there could be variations in compression engine readings recommended by different manufacturers.

You first need to remove the spark plug from the engine cylinder you are about to test. Never attempt removing a spark plug at working temperature because it will lead to severe burns. Locate the distributor cap and pull the centre coil wire. By doing this, you will be preventing the engine from starting but still building compression to perform the test.

Get your spark plug compression tester. Install it in the hole of the spark plug. Hand tightening is usually sufficient to position the tester accurately. Hand-held testers have a rubber tip that has to be pushed into place.

Crank the engine and take the compression tester’s measure. For best results, perform the test a couple of times and calculate the average or choose the test reading that appears most often. Use the manufacturer-supplied information to compare the  results.

Press the release valve to release the compression from your car’s engine. You are done! After you are done testing and reinstalling spark plugs, run the engine to make sure that everything functions properly.

HIL85420002A Few Additional Tips and Considerations

If you own a hand-held compression tester, you may be interested in creating a better seal for more accurate readings. Grease can be used to achieve that goal. Just use your finger to apply a little bit of grease on the rubber tip.

There could be specific compression testing procedures for particular engine models. It may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process before getting started. Manufacturers may suggest different methods of creating engine pressure, so make sure that you are informed.

Checking the engine compression is a simple, yet highly beneficial procedure. Every vehicle owner should have a compression tester. Perform the test whenever you experience any problem like the loss of too much oil or a general lack of engine power. Compression testing will help you figure out what the cause of the problem  is.

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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