Checking compression thru spark plug tubes
11-14-2018
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Checking compression thru spark plug tubes
What kit do you guys use to check compression on a Honda engine through these spark plug tubes?
Do you use extensions with the rubber cones? I would rather a kit with a hard pipe extension that will screw into the spark plug threads.
Thanks in advance for tool suggestions.
Do you use extensions with the rubber cones? I would rather a kit with a hard pipe extension that will screw into the spark plug threads.
Thanks in advance for tool suggestions.
11-19-2018
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Re: Checking compression thru spark plug tubes
I have a gauge I bought at autozone a while ago. Pressure gauge with a rubber hose with a metal end that threads into the spark plug tube. Hasn't failed me yet
11-19-2018
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Re: Checking compression thru spark plug tubes
Do you use extensions with the rubber cones?
11-20-2018
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I’m waiting on this kit right now (with extension tube):
Thanks, I didn’t like the look of it.
11-29-2018
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Re: Checking compression thru spark plug tubes
I purchased one from Harbor Frieght a few years aand it served me well for home use. It looks very similar to the Amazon kit you posted. Just a few tips prior to use: If you need to screw on a threaded tip to the hose make sure the tip is fastened tightly prior to inserting into the cylinder head. I clamped the hose's threaded base (not threads) in a bench vice being careful not to compress and bend the base. I used a bit of blue Loc-Tite thread locker on the hose's thread and then installed the correct sized adapter tip and tighten using channel-lock pliers and also being careful not to bend the adaper. Doing this prior to inserting/tighteneing in the the cylinder head's spark plug threads, along with adding a bit of oil to the compression tester's adapter tip threads should prevent the adapter tip from getting stuck into the cylinder head threads.
As far as doing a proper compression test you may want to do it the following way:
Charge the battery a few hours before the compression test and keep the battery charger hooked up to the battery during the compression test to provide optimal cranking.
Have a helper push the gas pedal to the floor during cranking while you watch the compression gauge. This will disable the fuel injectors. Alternatively, disconnect the indiviual fuel injector's harness.
Have your helper crank the engine 3 or 4 revolutions past the peak psi number reading you view on the gauge. This will provide a more accurate reading.
Repeat the test with a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder (wet test). Ensure you write down the psi readings of each cylinder for both the dry and wet compression test.
As far as doing a proper compression test you may want to do it the following way:
Charge the battery a few hours before the compression test and keep the battery charger hooked up to the battery during the compression test to provide optimal cranking.
Have a helper push the gas pedal to the floor during cranking while you watch the compression gauge. This will disable the fuel injectors. Alternatively, disconnect the indiviual fuel injector's harness.
Have your helper crank the engine 3 or 4 revolutions past the peak psi number reading you view on the gauge. This will provide a more accurate reading.
Repeat the test with a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder (wet test). Ensure you write down the psi readings of each cylinder for both the dry and wet compression test.
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