Diesel Compression Tester

nashranch

Well-known Member
What's an all around good compression tester? My Harbor freight one does not accumulate PSI as you're cranking
 

It should have a one way check valve like a valve stem and then a way to release the pressure once it's read.

I paid the price years ago and got one from Snap-On but there weren't many options back then.
 
(quoted from post at 07:25:18 10/23/19)
It should have a one way check valve like a valve stem and then a way to release the pressure once it's read.

I paid the price years ago and got one from Snap-On but there weren't many options back then.

This one don't and I shoulda taken it back but i didn't use for quite a while after i bought it. Harbor freight says 90 day return policy so i'm screwed
 

That's a nice looking kit, and it has the thumb release button on the side so it should have a check valve.
If the thumb release is sticking or leaking it'll cause an issue as well.
Check at the coupling and maybe take the hose off of the gauge to find the check valve, there's a small issue causing the gauge not to work properly, That gauge may not be as accurate as some of the higher priced units but it'll do the job
Next time at HF I'll look for that kit, I'd like to have it just for the adapters, I only have 2 and SnapOn charges that price for 1 or 2 adapters.
 

Yep Jerry...It's a nice looking kit. it has lots of adapters for diff. apps.
I did take apart the gage, release valve and there is no check valve in there at all..no wonder it don't accumulate PSI. Like i said i should have taken it back.
If i could find a check valve it would probably work
 

I took a few pics of the check valve, you can see clear thru it

mvphoto44430.jpg


mvphoto44431.jpg
 
Look on Craigslist in the tool section.
Also, are you familiar with
Searchtempest.com?
You can use it to search all of the
craigslists based on your zip code.
I have bought a couple of very nice
tools that way. A good old school valve
spring compressor from Denver, and a
really nice pair of snap ring pliers
from Idaho. I had to convince them I
wasn't a scammer but I got two good
tools for not much money.
You are in OR or WA aren't you?
Click the link to search within 500
miles from the Portland area.
Click here
 

Check the end where the quick coupler is, there should be something that looks like a tire valve stem core screwed into the hose fitting.
I'll try to look at mine to see where it's at, but my SnapOn gauge has the same style thump release yours has.
 
(quoted from post at 22:30:32 10/23/19)
Check the end where the quick coupler is, there should be something that looks like a tire valve stem core screwed into the hose fitting.
I'll try to look at mine to see where it's at, but my SnapOn gauge has the same style thump release yours has.
Also check the end of the adapter, as stated it should look like a tire valve stem core. It's a lighter pressure spring than a valve stem core.
 

You are looking in the wrong place for the "check valve".

It's either in each individual port adapter, or in the quick-disconnect coupling.

I have a VERY similar imported set that I bought on Amazon several years ago, I'll try to remember to look tomorrow and see just where the check valve is.

It works very well, BTW, and, likely, so will yours when you figure out just what's going on.
 

Looked at my SpanOn gauge and the valve is at the bottom of the quick coupler.
Look inside that brass 90 to see if there's threads for a valve stem, may have got left out.
You may have to get a coupler or fitting to work with your gauge set or go back to HF even though it's been awhile, they may be able to get you the part you need.
 
(quoted from post at 07:43:56 10/25/19)
Looked at my SpanOn gauge and the valve is at the bottom of the quick coupler.
Look inside that brass 90 to see if there's threads for a valve stem, may have got left out.
You may have to get a coupler or fitting to work with your gauge set or go back to HF even though it's been awhile, they may be able to get you the part you need.

Just took all that apart Jerry and there is no sign of a missing valve or threads where there shoulda been a valve
 

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