You can compression test the cylinders with the help of a compression gauge. Have someone sit in the drivers seat with the engine off the gearshift in park or neutral and the parking brake on.
Part 1 How To Do A Compression Test Vw 1 8l Jetta Passat
How to compression test an engine. Cylinder compression can inform you on how much wear an engine has on. All you have to do is connect the gauge in place of a spark plug and test each cylinder pressure in turn. Attach the compression test adapter into the cylinder nearest the front of the engine then connect the gauge to the other end of the adapter hose. The gauge displays engine compression. Once you have the results you compare your gauge reading to manufacturer specifications and interpret your results. Pull the big wire that leads to the coil.
With the testing tube firmly seated on the silver adapter youre ready to attach the test gauge. Step 3 turn the ignition on depress the throttle and crank the engine four revolutions. To perform the test crank the engine 4 times by turning the key in your cars ignition then check the compression gauge for the result. After pulling in the air and fuel during the intake stroke the piston is now forced back up in the cylinder compressing that air and fuel mixture. A compression test is a good way to measure the condition of the rings cylinders and valves. Step 2 start the threaded end of the compression gauge in a spark plug hole by hand.
It is important to perform a compression test every time a tune up is done as part of preventative maintenance. A compression test kit on amazon. The next step depends on the type of distributor you have. This should result in. If your engine is running rough or is lacking power. Consider doing a compression test.
Press the pressure release valve on the side of the gauge which will return the gauge to zero pressure for the next test. On vehicles with distributors. This is the stroke in which you will be performing the compression test. This mixture must be placed under pressure in order for the engine to create any power. How to perform a compression test to identify damaged pistons worn rings burnt valves and blown head gaskets. How to check an engines cylinder compression.
A compression test can also inform of an individual cylinder problem which can be repaired. To install it pull back the collar at the end of the gauge and slide it over the metal end of the tube. Give it a tug to be sure that its on.