So i want to check to see if my valves were damaged when i broke my timing belt. I keep hearing "do a leakdown" test...but not sure how to perform it. I assume i pressurize each cyclinder with a specific amount of air and see if it bleeds down in a time given. So, does each cyclinder need to be at TDC? how much pressure? how long? and do i need to fab a tool or does harbor freight sell it?

Thanks in advance...

 

I think harbor freight would have a leak down tester. You need compressed air to hook up to the particular cylinder your testing, you will hook the air up to the cylinder through the spark plug hole at say 100 psi. The you will listen for this compressed air coming from various area's of the car...

Example - Throttle body = broken intake valve
Exhaust pipe = broken exhaust valve
Bubbles coming up under radiator cap = head gasket leak
Open oil cap, hear air? = broken piston rings/ hole in piston

You get the idea... The tester will show the amount of leakage you are getting from each cylinder. Below 20% is OK. It should really be below 10%, depending on wear on engine, how many miles etc.

 

Or do a compression test.