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Running a compression test is pretty much the same for all internal combustion engines.
- Remove all sparkplugs, marking where the wires went; you don't want to connect the wrong wires to the plugs when you're finished.
- Start with cylinder 1, screw in a compression gauge where the sparkplug just came out. Some compression gauges just press in, but I prefer the screw in type.
- Have an assistant engage the starter as though trying to start the engine. Obviously the engine won't start without plugs.
- You should hear and/or feel the engine compression on the single cylinder with the gauge in place; make sure that cylinder goes through compression cycle at least 3 times.
- Read the value on the gauge. The gauge should hold the compression reading, allowing you to record the reading.
- Write down the compression reading and the cylinder number.
- CLEAR THE COMPRESSION GAUGE. You can release the compression reading, usually by pressing a button or turning a knob. It's different for different style gauges.
- Repeat the process for all cylinders.
- Compare the compression value for all cylinders; they should be within a few percent of each other. Any small variance can be attributed to cylinder or valve wear. Large differences indicate severe problems. If any two adjacent cylinders have zero compression, you probably have a blown head gasket.
What else can I help you with?
How do you fix a cylinder misfire on a 2001 Saturn l200?
Depends on why it is missing. First thing is to replace the spark plugs and plug wires. If it is still missing then run a compression test.
How can you diagnose poorly seated valves?
Run a compression test. If the valves are properly seating, the compression will be up.
How do tell if the head is out of your 3.1?
Have a compression test run. This will tell you allot.
How do you find out if the head gasket is blown?
Have a compression test run on the engine.
How to tell if your timing chain is broken?
car wont run if the belt is broken ! Run a compression test.
What causes a 99 Saturn Sc Coupe when starting in cold weather start sputtering and shaking for a minute?
It may need spark plugs/wires. And while you're at it, run a compression test. If the compression is low in one or more cylinders it will make those cylinders less likely to operate properly.
Ford ranger idles rough and there are no codes that show?
Run a compression test to verify the condition of the engine.
How do you tell if a s10 2.5 has jumped timing?
It probably won't start and run and a compression test would show very low, if any compression in all cylinders.
Would a service engine light blink if it needs a valve job?
Possibly, but not likely. Have a compression test run.
Your Saturn SC2 coupe has lost all power and will not start?
Start with a compression test. Head gaskets fail when an engine overheats and that's a common cause of sudden engine failure. It doesn't always mean that the engine has to have overheated RECENTLY; sometimes it has to be run for a while.
How do you reset the service engine soon light on a 2001 Saturn lw200?
Run a diagnostic test to find out why the computer turned on the MIL (malfunction indicator light), repair whatever is wrong and the light should go off.
How do you tell if its the timing chain on a 2002 Chevy Malibu is the reason the car won't start?
Run a compression test. If compression in all cylinders is low, it's probably the timing chain.
