what are you guys using for leakdown test, anyone has a good brand to recommend, is it necessay to pay a lot for this or is a unit under 100$ enough?

 

I don't really use it but I have the snap-on EEPV309A. I use a compression tester to see where the motor is at. That test will spot a weak cylinder. If they are in about 5-8% I don't sweat it unless it is all one bank that's low.

 

Compression tester and leak down tester are two entirely different animals. Leak with each cylinder at TDC and it will really tell you where your engine problems exist. You can sustain the influx of air in time and listen at exhaust, TB, etc and listen for the hiss. It's the test that gives you the true % numbers. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a tester. You will need an air compressor for the leak down testing.

 

Al, You are right. I use the compression tester first. If the cylinders problems then I will look further. Bottom line if you have issues that are leading you to check things out (other then PPI or amusement) you are going to be tearing down the motor.

 

guess i will start with a compression test and see where we are at.

by the way, how do you set each piston at tdc? do you turn it by hand? Is there a mark somewhere where you can see if you are at tdc or do you just go by the feel with a screwdriver in the spark plug hole?

 

find TDC by hand. I use a piece of wood dowel. With all plugs out its easy to spin the motor. Just make sure you are turning the motor the direction it turns while running.