Leak down test?

Which is a better or more accurate way to check a cyl for ring problems? the simple comp test gauge or useing a leak down tester??
I would think the leak down test would be better,if there is a problem i think it would register better and you can also here the leak.

And,how can you determine if the rocker studs could possibly be leaking? don't some of the alum heads have the stude holes that go all the way through.

TIA
Kevin

A comp gauge is a relative test that compares the health of each cylinder to each other, and can help determine bad head gaskets. IE, two adjacent cylinders low.
A leak down tester will tell you more. Read this.http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0406_cylinder_leakdown_tester/index.html

big2bird said:

A comp gauge is a relative test that compares the health of each cylinder to each other, and can help determine bad head gaskets. IE, two adjacent cylinders low.
A leak down tester will tell you more. Read this.http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0406_cylinder_leakdown_tester/index.html

Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff,i will read that article. I need to diagnose #2cyl on drivers side,the plug showed some wettness on it,all other plugs are fine. Wasn't the drivers side the one said would show some smoke when i put my foot in it??

A laek down test could also tell me if i have a rocker stud leaking. Of course that would be to simple of a fix.

kwplot34 said:

big2bird said:

A comp gauge is a relative test that compares the health of each cylinder to each other, and can help determine bad head gaskets. IE, two adjacent cylinders low.
A leak down tester will tell you more. Read this.http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0406_cylinder_leakdown_tester/index.html

Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff,i will read that article. I need to diagnose #2cyl on drivers side,the plug showed some wettness on it,all other plugs are fine. Wasn't the drivers side the one said would show some smoke when i put my foot in it??

A laek down test could also tell me if i have a rocker stud leaking. Of course that would be to simple of a fix.

Click to expand...

Yep. Driver's bank.

first DON,T PAY FOR IT :down: ...DO IT YOURSELF!!! :thumbsup:
IT WILL COST LESS EVEN AFTER PAYING FOR THE TOOLS AT MOST GARAGES.

youll find that youll gain basic skills, own new tools and PAY LESS MONEY:thumbsup:




read this

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0406_cylinder_leakdown_tester/index.html

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml

http://www.goodvibesracing.com/leakdown%20Tester.htm

http://www.globaltoolsupply.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-P1-275.html?E+scstore

http://www.tavia.com/cat8.html#3



http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/leakdown.html

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml


http://goodvibesracing.com/Leakdown%20Tester.htm
1) For most accurate results, engine should be up to operating temperture.

2) Remove all spark plugs.

3) Rotate crankshaft until piston being tested is at top dead center of compression stroke.

4) Screw the spark plug adaptor hose into spark plug hole making the sure the o-ring is seated properly.

5) Connect the spark plug adaptor hose to the coupler of the leakdown tester.

6) Connect leakdown tester to a good source of compressed air, preferably a filtered and water trapped source.

7) Adjust the regulator on the leakdown tester so the the LEFT HAND GAUGE indicates at least 10 pounds less than your sorce pressure. The leakdown percentage conversion table shown below is based on regulated pressures of 100, 90, or 75 psi.

8) Read the RIGHT HAND GAUGE (differential gauge), then look up gauge reading on the conversion table below to get actual leakdown percentage. After noting percentage of leakage, turn the regulator knob counter-clockwise to relieve the pressure. This reduces the shock to the gauges. If you ever get an unrealistically low pressure reading on the right hand gauge, there is a finite possibilty that something is blocking the small orfice located within the hex tube located between the regulator and the main body of the leakdown tester.

9)To remove any obstruction that may be lodged in the metering orfice, unscrew the hose coupling assembly from the aluminum body. Ultilizing a 1" wrench, remove the knob assembly from the regulator. Blow compressed air in the opposite direction (from the coupling end) to clear the orfice. Re-assemble the regulator and the coupling.

NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE BRASS HEX NIPPLE BETWEEN THE REGULATOR AND THE ALUMINUM BODY. DAMAGE MAY RESULT.



http://www.maximausa.com/technical/leaktest.html

http://www.meyerracingonline.com/leak.html

http://www.compressionking.com/leakdown.htm

http://www.lcengineering.com/TechNotes/TechNote47.htm

Kevin, unless you really like spending money, I have a leakdown tester-

TimAT said:

Kevin, unless you really like spending money, I have a leakdown tester-

Click to expand...

That was going to be one of my next phone calls hone: was to see if you had one of these. I already checked on prices :amazed:

Hey Grump thanks for the info,thats some good stuff. looks like i might have some more work to add to my winter work list :cussing:

What is the possibility that the rings on this piston are not seating? motor has1700 miles on it.