Cylinder Compression Tester

A cylinder compression tester is a tool used to measure the compression pressure in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. It is commonly used to diagnose engine problems such as worn piston rings, leaking valves, or blown head gaskets.

The tester typically consists of a pressure gauge, a hose, and various adapters that allow it to be connected to the spark plug holes of the engine. To use the tester, the engine is first warmed up to operating temperature. Then, one spark plug is removed and the compression tester is connected to the spark plug hole. The engine is then cranked over using the starter motor or a pull cord, and the pressure gauge on the tester will display the compression pressure in that cylinder.

The process is repeated for each cylinder in the engine, and the compression readings are compared to the manufacturer's specifications. If the compression in any cylinder is significantly lower than the others, it may indicate a problem with that cylinder, such as a worn piston ring or a leaking valve.

Cylinder compression testing is a useful diagnostic tool for determining the overall health and performance of an engine. It can help identify issues before they become major problems and can guide the repair process by pinpointing the specific cylinder or cylinders that require attention.