How to do a compression test?
#1
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Car: 1991 RS v8
How to do a compression test?
I'm finally going to go buy a compression gauge tomorrow. Before i even put another cent into this car.. I want to run a compression test and see if my rings are shot or if i got a messed up gasket. Problem is.. I dont know what to do.
What would be the proper way of doing this? I got all the plugs out so far. What PSI is considered good? Tell me all i need to know about this.
What would be the proper way of doing this? I got all the plugs out so far. What PSI is considered good? Tell me all i need to know about this.
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Car: 92 GTA/ 00 TA
Engine: 383/350
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Re: How to do a compression test?
There is no magical psi number that you are looking to achieve. Technically they're all supposed to be within 10% of each other.
With that said, i've seen an engine with 120 psi (what I consider low) run fine and burn nothing.
Do the test with a fully charged battery
Throttle blocked wide open
Ignition coil completely disconnected (ask me how I know)
and obviously with the tester screwed into a port.
Ideally the engine is supposed to be warm.
Start cranking. If needed, have another person watch the gauge for the initial compression spike. Higher is better. Crank till it rises no more. Record the number. Move on.
If you have some low ones pour some engine oil into the spark plug hole and re-test that cylinder. If it goes up...rings. If it stays about the same...valves or hg.
Compression tests are useful but a leakdown tester is the best.
With that said, i've seen an engine with 120 psi (what I consider low) run fine and burn nothing.
Do the test with a fully charged battery
Throttle blocked wide open
Ignition coil completely disconnected (ask me how I know)
and obviously with the tester screwed into a port.
Ideally the engine is supposed to be warm.
Start cranking. If needed, have another person watch the gauge for the initial compression spike. Higher is better. Crank till it rises no more. Record the number. Move on.
If you have some low ones pour some engine oil into the spark plug hole and re-test that cylinder. If it goes up...rings. If it stays about the same...valves or hg.
Compression tests are useful but a leakdown tester is the best.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: TT LS
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: S60 3.54's
Re: How to do a compression test?
![i agree](https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/smilies/iagree.gif)
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Car: '87 IROC/'68 SS
Engine: 5.7L/350
Transmission: 700R4/Muncie 4-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt / 3.31 12 bolt
Re: How to do a compression test?
You'll have tons of fun screwing that tester into the rear plug holes too!
![lmao](https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif)
#5
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Re: How to do a compression test?
I know i got my work cut out for me. Lol. I got pretty big hands.. so getting there trying to unscrew the plugs was enough work.. Also cut my hand a few times too
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