Compression tester

hydro70guy · Oct 14, 2017

I am looking to buy a compression tester. Mostly for work on older tractors and such. Possibly cars or small engines in future. What should I look for or stay away from. Just to help in diagnose of problems when working on equipment.

Joe

gmccool · Oct 14, 2017

Snap On

Steve@Advance · Oct 14, 2017

Basically there are 2 choices.

The hand held type, with the rubber cone that you hold tightly in the plug hole. These are cheap, simple, and easy to use. The draw backs are sometimes they won't fit into the position needed because of obstructions, and you usually need an assistant to crank the engine.

The other type uses threaded adapter hoses that screw into the plug hole. I personally prefer this type. It is more costly, but fits most applications, gives a better reading as there is no leakage, and can be done solo. This type can also double as a method to apply air pressure to a cylinder to hold valves in place, or as a leakage diagnostic tool.

Greg1959 · Oct 14, 2017

I got this one from Harbor Freight and it works fine.

$25.00
Poke here

D beatty · Oct 14, 2017

If you work on engines often I would go with a set like this. This has the rubber tip you hold in spark plug hole and it has the threaded adapters.

ptfarmer · Oct 14, 2017

(quoted from post at 06:25:52 10/14/17) Basically there are 2 choices.

The hand held type, with the rubber cone that you hold tightly in the plug hole. These are cheap, simple, and easy to use. The draw backs are sometimes they won't fit into the position needed because of obstructions, and you usually need an assistant to crank the engine.

The other type uses threaded adapter hoses that screw into the plug hole. I personally prefer this type. It is more costly, but fits most applications, gives a better reading as there is no leakage, and can be done solo. This type can also double as a method to apply air pressure to a cylinder to hold valves in place, or as a leakage diagnostic tool.

X2 On the with the threaded ends, I wouldn't get the ones with rubber cone ends even if you have a helper they can be a pain. OTC tools has a nice compression tester kit with all kinds of adaptors.

Jack345 · Oct 14, 2017

I like the older USA made testers with thread in hose. Got mine at second hand store for good price.

dr sportster · Oct 14, 2017

If you have an air compressor consider a leak down tester. That pinpoints valves or rings .

Texasmark1 · Oct 15, 2017

I found my new one on ebay in a nice plastic case with a lot of adapters and such for < 20 bucks. Works great. Funny the second one I bought in my life.

travis miranowski · Oct 16, 2017

In my opinion compression test info is useless. Get a leak down tester. I was just at harbor freight a week ago and saw one there. $40.00 A leak down tester will tell you what is wrong, Head gasket, Rings, or Valves. Compression testers just give you a vague idea there might be an issue with a cylinder.

El Hombre · Oct 20, 2017

(quoted from post at 14:18:52 10/14/17) Snap On

Yeah right; he's gonna spend $200 for occasional use. I bet you own Dillion stuff too. They always suggest the most expensive 'junk' too.

Compression tester

hydro70guy

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gmccool

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Steve@Advance

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Greg1959

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D beatty

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ptfarmer

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Jack345

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dr sportster

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Texasmark1

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travis miranowski

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El Hombre

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