VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: wil892 on March 08, 2011, 07:47:28 am

Title: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: wil892 on March 08, 2011, 07:47:28 am

Before I do any work on my engine thought it would be a good idea to get some compression numbers to see where I am at.
I need to by a compression tester but I am not sure what to buy, as I see a new kit with fittings for £44 or used kits with branded names for similar. Are there major floors in the cheaper kits, will they give me a false reading?

For example I am looking at this used Sykes Pickavant kit which has a good brand:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290542094679&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

but I could pick up this new unbranded kit for fairly simliar money:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIESEL-ENGINE-COMPRESSION-TEST-KIT-DIESEL-TRUCK-NEW-KIT-/370455174655?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item5640d95dff

I realise the durability of the cheaper one may not be as high, but to be honest the kit will be going back on ebay once I have used it. If anyone has opinions or experience with either it would be great, thanks!
Will

Title: Re: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: Wayland on March 08, 2011, 08:58:54 am

I bought one of those cheap compression testers, and while I have nothing to compare it to, the quality seems quite good, and the readings believeable.

Title: Re: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: the caveman on March 08, 2011, 08:59:33 am

I find that compression gauges can be inaccurate if you compare one to another. A cheap one would be okay to give an idea of what is going on, but if you were a garage and needed to have some accurate  readings for proper diagnostics, then spend the money for a good quality one.

Title: Re: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: R.O.R-2.0 on March 08, 2011, 09:26:42 am

the harbor freight compression tester should work just fine..

Title: Re: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: RadoTD on March 08, 2011, 09:45:05 am

If you're just going to throw it back on ebay after you're done, you should get the used one, no question. It'll give you more accurate readings and, in theory, you'll get back everything you paid, less shipping.
The knock off is new right now, but once you check your engine with it once, you'll be selling it at a loss as a used tester

Title: Re: Cheaper Compression Testers any good?
Post by: wil892 on March 08, 2011, 10:55:26 am

Thanks for the replies, yeah I would like accurate results as there isn't anything specfically wrong with the engine at the moment, just want to see where the engine is at at the moment. And radotd that makes complete sense, think I will find myself a decent used one and sell it on when I'm done with it, thanks!