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compression test
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:58 pm
by SR
right then ,probably gonna make myself sound a fool now ,but here gos,the test i did on splitty motor averaged 50-75psi all 4 pots,but it was 15/20 yr old gauge,pump up type ,noy dial guage, since then ive taken engine/box out and got a new gunson tester , mainly to test the trav engine, so connecting power can i do the test on a cold engine ,will a make a lot of difference not being at normal; temp,thanks for looking ,A.Dullard

RE: compression test
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:02 pm
by mu0u207b
Its best to do it on a fully warmed up engine as the reading you will get on a cold engine will not be accurate. The heat of the engine expands the piston rings so to raise the pressure fully hot, u wud get a low reading on a cold engine. Bit of a pain really specially if your not intending on going anywhere and you want to save a bit of money on petrol costs!!
RE: compression test
Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 7:57 pm
by Matt
If it helps i did a cold compression test on the trav (with a rebuilt engine ~10,000 miles ago) the cylinders that didn't have the blown head gasket were about 140psi
RE: compression test
Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:01 pm
by SR
nice one matt , will give it a go
RE: compression test
Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:10 pm
by Matt
oh, that is an engine bored out by 40thou too, 12g202 (bog standard) head
RE: compression test
Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 10:58 pm
by bmcecosse
No harm doing it cold - either take the carb off or hold the throttle wide open. The readings may not be the best - but they will show if there is any difference from cylinder to cylinder - which is what really matters !
RE: compression test
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 2:00 pm
by Matt
i did it with the carb on and the throttle closed (well at idle if you know what i mean) with the other 3 plugs in
RE: compression test
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:39 pm
by bmcecosse
Noooooo !! The throttle must be held wide open to let it get air - and all the plugs out to let the starter spin the engine as hard as possible. Obviously a good fully charged battery - or jump leads from another - is a good idea. You don't want the starter 'flagging' when it gets to the last cylinder. Do it again !
RE: compression test
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:51 pm
by Pyoor_Kate
Uh.
My compression test doobry comes with instructions which say to perform the test:
- Fully warm engine
- All plugs in except cylinder being tested
Does not mention the state of the throttle. At the moment I can't envisage why it'd need the throttle open....
RE: compression test
Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:25 am
by Cam
Well........ you don't NEED the throttle open as at those revs (very low) it can draw air in quite easily, but an open throttle makes it even easier but I doubt it would make much difference practically.
I personally would take the plugs out of the other cylinders just to make life easier for the starter, but again it makes no difference to the cylinder on test.
A warm engine is best as then everything is at working temp and the rings have expanded properly.