Date:         Tue, 14 Dec 1999 07:07:10 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: fuel pressure tester & compression tester
In-Reply-To:  <19991214142444.75857.qmail@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 06:24 AM 12/14/1999 PST, you wrote:
>I wish to check the fuel pressure and compression on my 84 wasserboxer per
>Bently directions.  I also have an 82 Rabbit diesel on which I may
>eventually wish to check compression.
>
>Where should I look to buy a fuel pressure tester that will make up to the
>small fitting on the Vanagon fuel tee?

At any reasonable hardware department, find a simple pressure guage rated
0-60 or 0-100 psi or 0-5 bar. A better idea is a guage with both scales.
$10 to $15 for a US item is typical. Hook it up with hose barb and hose to
the tee. You are looking for an accuracy of a lb. or so in the 20 to 60 lb.
range. This guage will be adequate for all but a very few gas injected
vehicles.

>
>Should I look for a compression tester that will work on both the Vanagon
>and the Rabbit?

Not possable. You will need an adaptor for the 14mm spark plug motor. $50
bucks or so for  minimal quality and accuracy guage, hose and adapter. A
different guage is required for the diesel. Much higher pressures. Not
likely to find this at the hardware store. Baum Tools and other specialists
will have this. You will also need an adaptor for the injectors and/or the
glow plug threads for hookup. Up to $80 or so for the good stuff. Probably
find what you need in the Craftsman line. If US made, could be the bargain.
Auction sites could reveal some jewels.

>
>Where should I look for the compression tester?  Is the rubber tip type
>adequate or do I really want the type that threads into the spark plug hole?

Screw in type will be the best value for lifetime use. As with all tools,
particularly tools for measurement, stay away from the Chinese wannabe loss
leader junk. Inaccurate data is the road to hell as oppossed to results
available with reliable facts.


T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA