what exactly is a leakdown test?
 

What exactly is a leakdown test? what does it test for? how much does it usually cost? What would an example of some results from test be, what would you look for in a healthy engine? thanks

Re: what exactly is a leakdown test? (whiteinteg95)
 

Simply put you pump compressed air into a cylinder and listen to determine where the air is leaking from, thus finding the source of vaccum leaks, oil leaks, etc. Maybe someone else can tell you what all different kinds of tests are done as I cant find the document I have saved on this subject.

Re: what exactly is a leakdown test? (blah13)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blah13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Simply put you pump compressed air into a cylinder and listen to determine where the air is leaking from, thus finding the source of vaccum leaks, oil leaks, etc. Maybe someone else can tell you what all different kinds of tests are done as I cant find the document I have saved on this subject.</TD></TR></TABLE>

To expand on this:
Set everything to TDC@#1cyl (that includes your cam gears, set those at 0), pump 100PSI into the cylinders and use your ears. Many problems can be isolated from this kind of testing...

Re: what exactly is a leakdown test? (sinister)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sinister &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

To expand on this:
Set everything to TDC@#1cyl (that includes your cam gears, set those at 0), pump 100PSI into the cylinders and use your ears. Many problems can be isolated from this kind of testing...</TD></TR></TABLE>

also there's a mathematical equation to find the percentage which is acceptable.

rule of thumb is anything less then 8% is good.

leakdown test lets you know the condition of your piston rings. either good, bad or in the middle.

Re: what exactly is a leakdown test? (sleeperciv)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sleeperciv &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

also there's a mathematical equation to find the percentage which is acceptable.

rule of thumb is anything less then 8% is good.

leakdown test lets you know the condition of your piston rings. either good, bad or in the middle.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Lol, my bad, you right, It`s been a while since I`ve done one...

take it to a shop . there is a leakdown tool which gives a accurate percentage of leak down. but if you have an air compresser and an adapter for your spark plug hole set your motor on its compression stroke for the cyl your testing and listen at your t-body and muffler for air excaping the cyl.if you suspect rings listen in the oil fill cap.

how much does it cost?

http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/28300/28257.JPG

$288 online.

We got ours from the Snap-On man for $225