Compression tester recommendation
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Compression tester recommendation
Would like purchase a compression tester primarily for finding the
compression stroke on number one cylinder to aid when installing
a distributor. May also use for engine compression tests.
Read some reviews of problems with the spark plug adapters
getting stuck in the spark plug hole in some actron models as
well as another brand.
Plan to use in a 1979 and 80 model where the spark plug holes
are a bit difficult to access so don't want to have a problem with
an adapter getting stuck.
For those that have one which model do you recommend?
compression stroke on number one cylinder to aid when installing
a distributor. May also use for engine compression tests.
Read some reviews of problems with the spark plug adapters
getting stuck in the spark plug hole in some actron models as
well as another brand.
Plan to use in a 1979 and 80 model where the spark plug holes
are a bit difficult to access so don't want to have a problem with
an adapter getting stuck.
For those that have one which model do you recommend?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I've got a Snap-On I've had for years. THe tester itself has a quick coupler on it and the release valve. I've got 4 different hoses with different spark plug threads. The up side to this is the coupler on the hose is the same as my shop air- I can remove the schrader valve from the hose and use it to do leak down tests or change valve springs.
I think Milton makes one too. I've seen a couple others but don't remember who made them.
I think Milton makes one too. I've seen a couple others but don't remember who made them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you are turning the engine over with the starter, you can just pull #1 plug out of the cylinder head and put your thumb near the opening (no closer than 1/4"; you don't want your thumb to get sucked up on an intake stroke 
.)
You will feel the air being pushed out of the plug hole on the compression stroke. As soon as you feel any air, stop turning the engine over; then manually bring the crank up to the TDC mark. There ya' go....
.)You will feel the air being pushed out of the plug hole on the compression stroke. As soon as you feel any air, stop turning the engine over; then manually bring the crank up to the TDC mark. There ya' go....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If your finger cannot reach the spark plug threads (in the cylinder head), how could you ever change spark plugs? 
Your engine should not be running...and it shouldn't be hot. What's the problem?
Your engine should not be running...and it shouldn't be hot. What's the problem?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Then, how would you ever get a compression test gauge in there?
All I can tell you is: it is easier to stick a finger close to the spark plug hole that it will be to install a compression test gauge.
All I can tell you is: it is easier to stick a finger close to the spark plug hole that it will be to install a compression test gauge.
