how to do a compression test?

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Jun 8, 2011 | 05:45 PM

spdrcr7882

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how to do a compression test?

I have done compression tests before on engines, but the tester that autozone and checkers rents out has this 7 inch long rubber hose that you thread into another piece that goes into the head, but i can't seem to get this piece to thread in, it's too rigid, so when i try to turn it it just wiggles out of the hole, is there another kind of compression tester anyone reccomends, or a trick to getting these to work in the tight spaces our cars have?
Thanks
Justin

Jun 8, 2011 | 07:45 PM

spdrcr7882

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I've been trying all day and can't get the tester hose tight enough to get an accurate reading. help!

Jun 8, 2011 | 08:52 PM

S10xGN

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Buy one, they're cheap enough. Mine has a hose at least 18" long and more like 24". You can find a few at Harbor Freight from $13 and up...

Jun 9, 2011 | 12:34 AM

pairof69s

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the one i got from HF had several adapters for different plug sizes...it was 10.00$

Jun 9, 2011 | 01:58 AM

spdrcr7882

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Does the longer hose make it easier to get into the tight spots on the passenger side of the engine, because it's extremely tight there

Jun 9, 2011 | 02:41 PM

spdrcr7882

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the length of the hose isn't necesarily the issue, once I get the adapter screwed into the hole i can't seem to get the hose to screw into the adapter. There's gotta be someone who has done a compression test on their camaro that has an easier way to do this. I'm about to take the exhaust manifold off to free up some space
Justin

Jun 9, 2011 | 07:30 PM

S10xGN

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Don't know anything about adapters, my hose screws directly into the spark plug hole. On my turbo Buick S-10, things are so tight on the DR side that I can only do plugs (and compression test) by feel. I have to feed the hose between the brake piping and combo block from the top while reaching through the wheelwell with my other hand to guide the end. Once it's close, I can stand there and twist the hose while jiggling it and it always ends up threading into the hole.