I've wanted to get a compression tester and test the compression of my car and I came across a sale at Harbor Freight this week where they have compression testers for $15... I was wondering if anyone has used these before and if they work.. anything good or bad that I should know? if you have used them before whether they work or not.. or if you have positive or negative input on this tool please let me know....

OR if you have suggestions (brand, model #, part #) on a good compression tester for integra (and other hondas so maybe my friends can use it) let me know...

you guys are also probably wondering why the hell is this in the integra forum... well it says the fitting for the screw adapter and tube for the guage is M14 *i think*... I want to know if this will fit into the integra to test the compression.. or if there are different sizes or whatever for the integra? thank you in advance for your input/replies...

oh yeah for those wondering how to do the test here is some instructions from C-speed racing (I hope they don't mind I linked their sites)...


http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/c.../comptest.html

 

Well, normally the compression testers that are available at stores like WalMart have readings from 0 to 250 psi +/- 50psi. If you're working with a Diesel engine which normally comes with 18+:1 CR, then you're gonna need a proper compression tester for that. Anyway, that's just a heads up thing for you. Just make sure when you buy a compression tester, it comes with adapters and such (which they normally do). Other than that, they're all pretty much the same. Now, for my compression tester, I need to use an adapter in order to properly fit it in my spark plug hole. The one thing you might want to do is tape the adapter to the compression tester with masking tape for insurance. What happens is, if you screw that tester too tight in the spark plug hole, you'll end up unscrewing the tester from the adapter - which leaves the adapter stuck in the spark plug hole.

Regards,

Oz

 

so if I'm NOT working on diesel engines and just working on normal cars like integras, civics, accords, preludes, eclipses, RX7's, mustangs, VR6 VW's, bmw 3 series and M3s, etc (mine or friends cars) then that comp tester should be OK right?

I'm not saying we're going to use it on all those cars or that its going to be all heavy usage.. but these are the cars me and my friends own.. so its a possiblity it might be used on these models if one of my friends asks to borrow it or whatever... but mainly I want to know if it'll work in the Civic and integras spark plug holes...

I looked in the box/case and it comes w/ the tester/guage, some rubber hose extensions (looks kinda like a short version of the impact wrench air hoses), and it has some metal threaded adapters..

yeah I can see what you mean about the adapter getting stuck in the spark plug hole/socket in the motor while your unscrewing the tester and hose/extension.. I'll be sure to duct tape the extension/comp tester and adapter fittings thanks for the tip

aight well I'm kind of busy this week but I'll probably buy it and get around to trying it out/using it next weekend or something.. I'll let you guys know how it goes/if the tester works/fits in the spark plug hole..

thanks.. any other responses/input, etc is appreciated... thanks in advance...