How do you go about doing this, what equipment is needed? I'm in suspense right now, I know I have tapping somewhere around the #3 cylinder. But, would like to properly diagnose the problem before buying new parts. I've heard people mention doing compression testing, to help find these sort of problems.

Thanks in advance!
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

A compression test is for testing the cylinders ability to seal. How it is going to tell you were a tapping noise is coming from? Is your car stock? Maybe check your valvetrain out.

 

I don't know how it is suppose to diagnose the tapping problem. From what I've heard it doesn't necessarily tell you what the problem is, but supposedly helps to find it. Yes, my valvetrain is stock.

 

If the "tapping" turns out to be a valve not seating properly, you'll probably locate the problem easily and quickly by doing a compression test. It's not a really bad idea to do one anyway, just so you'll know what condition the rings are in, if you're valveetrain is problem free. All you need is a compression tester and the required tools of a tune up to get to the plugs for removal.