ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - View Single Post - Squeeze check; static? Dynamic?? Best way?

mike100 · 07-21-2013

Leak down reading can be tricky on older engines. Warm or cold makes a difference...are you looking for massively failed ring or valve seal, or trying to assess wear on an older engine?

Another quick trick to sort of act as a cheap leak down test is to look at the rate at which your compression gauge needle jumps up. Healthy cylinders get over 100-120 psi in about 2-3 cranks where worn ones come up slower. This is somewhat approximate and varies from one engine type to another, but simply compare to the best cylinder in any given engine.

The one thing I never bought was a cylinder sealer that would leak down a block with the heads removed (checks for cracked rings after a dropped valve etc.)

07-21-2013	#3
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,802	Re: Squeeze check; static? Dynamic?? Best way? Leak down reading can be tricky on older engines. Warm or cold makes a difference...are you looking for massively failed ring or valve seal, or trying to assess wear on an older engine? Another quick trick to sort of act as a cheap leak down test is to look at the rate at which your compression gauge needle jumps up. Healthy cylinders get over 100-120 psi in about 2-3 cranks where worn ones come up slower. This is somewhat approximate and varies from one engine type to another, but simply compare to the best cylinder in any given engine. The one thing I never bought was a cylinder sealer that would leak down a block with the heads removed (checks for cracked rings after a dropped valve etc.)