Compression w/ Engine Out of the Car

[95AWD6Bolt]

I know that this is an obvious question but is there a way to check the compression of an engine that is not in the car. I am looking to purchase a 6bolt but i dont want to get screwed over again. I have read various things on different subjects regarding this. One way that i thought of is if I pull the head off of a block and pour a capful of oil around the edge of the piston, would it stay there if the rings are good? Or is there any other method of checking the compression/health of an engine while its outside of the car.

 

[telnut]

Cylinder leak down test is easy to do with engine out of car. IMO this is the most accurate test any way.
Telnut

 

[95AWD6Bolt]

Is that the one with the fitting for the air compressor that has two gauges on it?

 

[Quasimondo]

Yes.

http://web.archive.org/web/20060424124908/http://www.dsmgrrrl.com/FAQs/leakdown.htm