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Engine Compression Testing

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23 views15 pages

Engine Compression Testing

Uploaded by

er.rkc91
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Engine Compression

Testing

“Getting caught between a rock and a hard place”


Cylinder Pressure IS Torque
• Pressure generated in the
cylinder creates torque at the
crankshaft
• Torque is directly proportional
to cylinder pressure
• Any compromise in cylinder
pressure causes a
corresponding loss in torque
• All driveability problems stem
from inadequate cylinder
pressure.
Cylinder Pressure Failure Modes

• Cylinders can fail to produce adequate


pressure for two reasons.
– Blowby
– Misfire
• Blowby is a mechanical problem
• Misfire may be either mechanical,
electrical, or chemical in origin.
The Pathology of Blow By
• An adequate explosion develops in the cylinder
• The explosion slips past the compression ring
seal due to worn rings or cylinders
• Classic symptoms
– Low Engine Power
– Oil Consumption
– Off-gassing from P.C.V. Port
– Oil soaked P.C.V. breather
Mechanisms of Low Cylinder Pressure
• An inadequate explosion develops
• May be caused by a number of mechanisms
– Mechanical Failures
– Chemical Failures
– Electrical Failures
Mechanical Failures
• Mechanical failures in the cylinder lead to
inadequate compression
• Inadequate compression leads to fire, but not
explosion
• Common mechanical failures
– Head gasket leak
– Bent, stuck, or dirty valves
– Worn piston rings or cylinders
– Hole burned in piston
Chemical Failures
• An explosion requires an exact mixture of air and
fuel
• Fuel must be atomized
• Exhaust gases must be purged
• Systems contributing
– Intake
– Fuel
– Exhaust
– Emissions
Electrical Failures
• An effective explosion requires spark
– In the right place
– At the right time
– With adequate intensity
• Spark problems originate within the ignition
system
• Engine management may contribute also
Diagnostics
• We will focus on diagnosing mechanical
problems
• Mechanical problems are caused by poor
cylinder sealing.
• Leaks
– Rings
– Valves
– Head Gasket
Initial Assessment
• Verify the fault
– Is there really something wrong?
• Signs and Symptoms
– Does it match the classic presentation?
• Significant History
– Was the onset fast or slow?
– Any events leading up to?
• Cranking Test
– How does it crank?
– Can you hear cylinders coming up on compression?
Compression Testing
• Disable Ignition!
– Make sure key is OFF
– If engine starts
• Compression gage is junk
• If the vehicle is in gear, you get run over
• Setup remote starter switch
– Clip on crank terminal of solenoid
– Clip on positive battery terminal
Setup Continued
• Test the remote starter switch
– Double check ignition and gear
• Loosen spark plugs
• Crank engine to blow contaminants out
• Remove Spark Plugs
• Insert tester hose
Testing Procedure
• Remove air filter
• Make sure choke is wide open (if equipped)
• Open throttle wide open.
• Crank engine through at least 4 needle jumps
• Note and record reading
• When your done, release air pressure
Analyzing Results
• Compare Reading to Specifications in All Data
– 1972 Chevrolet small block minimum 100 p.s.i.
• Test remaining cylinders
– All readings should be within 20% of the highest.
– Example: Highest reading = 160 p.s.i.
– Lowest acceptable reading = .8 * 160 p.s.i.
– Lowest acceptable reading = 128 p.s.i.
Differential Diagnosis
• If you get a cylinder that reads low, there is a leak
somewhere
• You can confirm or eliminate the rings as a source of
leakage by conducting a wet compression test.
• Wet Compression Test
– Squirt oil into sparkplug hole
– Crank engine over several times
– Retest compression
• If compression increases, rings are worn
• If No change, the leak is somewhere else

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