ford 256 bsd 442 diesel engine compression test adapter etc

Mountainmover · Oct 9, 2018

Hello.
I have a ford 256 bsd 442 engine. I wanna do a compression check. I have a generic compression test kit for tractors but I cannot find the right adapter. Does anyone know the specific type and size? How to find? An online link?
Also, what is the compression test info? Engine is in a crate and not on a tractor but i have a flywheel and starter rigged up.
Engine has the clamp down type injectors and is a webbed block engine.
thanks!

Bern · Oct 9, 2018

This is what I use. I'm sure there are others out there that will do the same thing.
Snap On adapter

Mountainmover · Oct 9, 2018

thank you so much for the reply.

so, by looking at the snap on adapter, is it a stack of all of those items? how do i seal each stacking piece? is it best to use a nylon washer between each link?

my engine has been in storage for around 15 years or so. every year or two i would spin engine over with a pull handle and socket on crank.

should i put a drop of oil down on top of piston and let soak to ease piston ring sealing? or would this alter test?
does anyone know any tips and tricks? how much compression am i looking for? should i video the process in case i decide to sell the engine?

thanks!

IanC · Oct 10, 2018

Generic GAS compression tester, or generic DIESEL compression tester? The cranking compression is 420-510 PSI +/- 50 PSI. Even the Harbor Freight diesel testers come with adapters for Bosch/CAV style injectors. Test it dry first, then wet as the difference will tell you some of the condition.

Bern · Oct 10, 2018

You will never see those kind of numbers on a Ford while cranking. 325-375 PSI is more common after 6-8 puffs. The 420-510 spec is when they suggested to do the test with the engine running. My guess is that someone got hurt one day doing it that way, so they then changed their suggested procedure.

IanC · Oct 11, 2018

Hopefully these are readable. The spec page, and the facing page showing the Ford copyright info from my Ford service manual. It states at cranking speed, 200 RPM. I stand by these numbers unless I see a FORD bulletin stating otherwise. I do concede that these numbers are for a fresh, properly broken in, properly adjusted engine. My point to the original poster was that he needed to make sure he had a Diesel compression gauge.

Bern · Oct 11, 2018

You're right, it does say cranking speed. I know I read in a service bulletin way back when that the original recommendation was for engine running. I'll have to dig it up next time I'm at the local dealer. Could be a week or so before I get that done, but I will do that.

I've compression tested literally dozens of Basildon Ford engines, and never got over 400 with one. The average, with good ones, were around 350. I'm also fairly certain that the later repair manuals were updated with the lower numbers as well.

IanC · Oct 12, 2018

And I'm too "thrifty" (or, as my wife says 'cheap') to try and find an OEM manual from late 70's to 80's that would cover the X600, and XX10. I used to have a copy of the P.A.L. discs that had the bulletins on them when I was at the dealer, but even if I'd snagged an obsolete set then they wouldn't work now as they only worked on Windows 98. If you can find a copy I'd appreciate a copy.

Welding man · Oct 12, 2018

I put a new set of injectors in my 4600 last week. Decided to check compression while I had them out. All 3 cyls checked between 350 and 360. Tractor has 4000 + Hours on it. Starts and runs perfect. It had an injector leaking off after it sat a day or two.

Bern · Oct 13, 2018

I have a set of PAL discs from the year 2000, and still have a Windows 98 machine that it will work on. I just have to backdate the computer every time I want to use PAL (which is almost never). That said, the service bulletin in question is from the late 1960s, and PAL service bulletins never went back that far.

I'll stop in at the dealer next week sometime and dig out the old paper service bulletins that I talked about. I'll also look up compression test specs in a 10 series manual. I'll submit my findings in a new post - this one is too far back now.

ford 256 bsd 442 diesel engine compression test adapter etc

Mountainmover

New User

Bern

Well-known Member

Mountainmover

New User

IanC

Well-known Member

Bern

Well-known Member

IanC

Well-known Member

Bern

Well-known Member

IanC

Well-known Member

Welding man

Well-known Member

Bern

Well-known Member

Similar threads