The JEGS automotive leak down tester includes an adjustable air regulator, two pressure gauges, an air chuck, and a hose attachment. Homemade instruments can function as well as commercial testers, providing they employ proper orifice sizes, good pressure gauges, and good regulators. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Usually head gasket issues also come with overheating, white clouds of smoke that dissipate quickly (steam).

Unintentional damage can be caused if performing a compression test incorrectly and should not be attempted without technical training. The use of a controlled, regulated compressed air source makes a leak-down test much more consistent and repeatable. Equally likely is the fact that this is one purchase where quality and accuracy are essential elements. Includes air pressure gauge, pump-up bulb and fittings and adapters for most single and twin cylinder 2-stroke motorcycle engines.Depending on your budget and how much power you are willing to give up, you will probably want to rebuild the engine when leak-down reaches somewhere around 10% to 15%.

Learn how to trip your single stage compressor into running before it reaches its normal "on" pressure. This is a common question, particularly from racers who are considering rebuilding their own engines for the first time (and usually followed up with a comment about the higher cost of a leak-down tester). This tester is a great tool for any mechanic that is serious about performance finding leaks is simple and effective especially in snowmobiles we have found that the exhaust is always suspect to leaks and should always be addressed. If air escapes into the crankcase during this test but not with the piston at TDC, you're likely looking at a cracked or badly scored cylinder wall.Leak-down tests tend to rotate the engine, and often require some method of holding the crankshaft in the proper position for each tested cylinder. If you are on the hunt for a leak down tester, chances are you have a serious engine problem or are trying to isolate one.

Leak down testers are most accurate at low leakage levels, and the exact leakage reading is just a relative indication that can vary significantly between instruments. Note that some testers, including our Longacre Dual Gauge Leak-Down Tester, actually show the amount of leakage on the second gauge, eliminating the math. For example, a leaking exhaust valve will make a hissing noise in the exhaust pipe while a head gasket may cause bubbling in the cooling system.Each tester comes in a durable case except for the Innova 3612, chosen for its versatility of application and caliber. In addition, large engines and small engines will be measured in the same way (compared to the same orifice) but a small leak in a large engine would be a large leak in a small engine. To use a compression tester, you remove the spark plugs, insert the hose of the tester into one spark plug hole, and crank the engine over. In some scenarios, an engine may create an acceptable amount of compression but worn-out piston rings or valves could be allowing pressure to escape.