Checking compression with block out of car?

[1FAST2G]

Is there any way to check compression with the block out of the car? I bought a used 6 bolt and would like to see what the compression is before I take the block apart. I know that with the block being cold it will effect the readings some.

Also whats the best way to mount a 6bolt to an engine stand?

 

[1FAST2G]

anyone?

 

[wishihadatalon]

well what parts does it have on it. if it has oil pump and what not. put a starter on it. hook starter to battery and crank it over. disconnect the coil pack though.

 

[13secGST]

yeh...it the block is complete you could just hook a battery up to the/a starter and turn it over...like you would on a test engine. But what you could do, which is even a better test, would be a leak down test...that is when you set the cylinder at TDC (top dead center) and use compressed air to fill it and measure how much air "escapes" (you don't have to personally meausre it...you use a tool and it does this for you. Then you listen for where the air is coming from...and now you know the exact problem.

 

[TRBOTSI]

Have fun attaching a starter to an engine without the tranny bolted up...You can basically forget about checking the compression until it's in a car and able to turn over....

 

[1FAST2G]

where do I buy a leak down tester? Is that what it is atcually called? I went to auto zone and kragen and neither one had it. I even checked on summits website and couldn't find it.

 

[13secGST]

If you know any mechanic shops or schools they should have them and maybe you could borrow one(like borrowing spring compressors...pay in full then when you bring it back you get your money back)...I know the company "Snap-On" makes them...thats is who makes the one my school has and the one that I used.

 

[1FAST2G]

auto zone or kragen don't even have them for rent. I'm going to have to look around. I really don't want to buy a snap-on one cause that would be expensive. I will check how much it costs through them tommorow cause they come to my work on tuesdays. Anybody else know where to get one?

 

[steve]

I bought my leak down tester from Sumit.

Steve

 

[1FAST2G]

I found it on summit. I tried to search using leak down and nothing came up so I hd to click on engine and then it showed up. It costs $75 shipped.