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Date:         Fri, 8 Mar 2002 07:25:55 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Leak down test----what do I need,
              I already have the spark plug-s chraeder valve
Comments: To: "Smola, Tony" <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <23F66E6D73F4D31181C60004ACA369D7FB1808@ERD-LA-EXMB1>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

A proper leak down test should accomplish the too things. Where is the leak and how bad is the leak. Milton sells a cheap and easy to use leak down tester, Model S1257. Cost is around $60. To use, for each cylinder, set it o TDC on the compression stroke. Secure the crank with wrench on crank pulley or place transmission in 4th gear and set hand brake. Connect gauge set to your air supply. Set the pressure to set on the gauge. Connect the gauge to the cylinder using the hose supplied. You will now be able to see the leakage. Gauge markings are self explanatory. Check for air entering the exhaust, intake, and the crankcase. Remove air filter the check the intake and breather. If you can not hear where the air is going, then bypass the gauge set and connect the cylinder directly. This is when it is important to have the crankshaft secured and exactly at TDC. If the leakage into the crank is excessive, try rocking the crank to set the piston rings. Also remove the coolant pressure cap while doing this. Cylinder leaks will be revealed by bubbling in the coolant.

The low compression in cylinder #3 probably indicates a burned or warped valve or a piston beginning to melt. The other low than normal readings could be worn valve guides or stuck rings. The leak down test should tell.

Hope this helps, Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Smola, Tony Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 6:50 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Leakdown test----what do I need, I already have the spark plug-s chraeder valve

Hey guys, I want to do a leakdown test to determine where the compression is going on cyl #3 on my 1.9L WBX. I already have the tool that screws into the spark plug hole that you attatch to an air line. Do I look for air coming out of the exhaust for bad exhaust valve? Air coming into the crankcase indicates bad rings/valve guides? leaking intake valve would show air coming out of the air distributor?

How do the pros do this?

Thanks for any tips.

Malibu Tony 85' Westy 1.9L 5 degrees BTDC.....compression: #1 100lbs, #2 135lbs, #3 60 lbs, #4 150 lbs still hums at 70 on the flats, it's the hills that make it feel like a diesel.....


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