Leak down tester recommendations

[jimbonaut]

Thinking I might need one. Don’t have a ton of money to drop on the thing. Any suggestions?

[dontwantapickle]

Poor man's leak down test:

1. Remove the valve cover and make sure that both valves are closed on the cylinder to be tested.
(wiggle the rockers to verify the valves are closed.)

2. Remove radiator cap and oil fill plug.

3. Remove the spark plug and use a compressor to pump air into the cylinder.

4. Listen for air leaks.

if you hear air in the carb, intake valve leaking
If you hear air in the exhaust, exhaust valve leaking.
If you hear air in the oil fill hole, rings are leaking.
If you see bubbles in the radiator, head gasket is leaking.

Try it.
It's always worked for me.

[Oldewing]

I shagged a 31.00 china one off Amazon, works well enough for me..

[redglbx]

Don, great tip !

[Sidecar Bob]

I'd add that it is normal to hear some air leaking past the rings in a cold engine because of the ring end gaps, which should close when the engine is at operating temperature.

[rcmatt007]

Poor man's leak down test:

1. Remove the valve cover and make sure that both valves are closed on the cylinder to be tested.
(wiggle the rockers to verify the valves are closed.)

2. Remove radiator cap and oil fill plug.

3. Remove the spark plug and use a compressor to pump air into the cylinder.

4. Listen for air leaks.

if you hear air in the carb, intake valve leaking
If you hear air in the exhaust, exhaust valve leaking.
If you hear air in the oil fill hole, rings are leaking.
If you see bubbles in the radiator, head gasket is leaking.

Try it.
It's always worked for me.

Great tip..... unfortunately my hearing is so bad I can honestly ignore my wife!

[redglbx]

Rodger,,