Leakdown tester homemade engine cylinder troubleshooting tool
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There is also a tool called a "differential cylinder pressure tester" (aka ''leakdown tester''), that operates on the same principles, but it regulates the pressure entering the cylinder, and monitors the pressure that remains, the balance being the amount of "leakdown". A GOOD healthy motor will leak less than 3~5%, more than about 10~15% is in need of repair, but as was stated above, you can listen to ''where'' it's leaking, so you know whether to go after head gaskets, valves or valve adjustment, or rings. | There is also a tool called a "differential cylinder pressure tester" (aka ''leakdown tester''), that operates on the same principles, but it regulates the pressure entering the cylinder, and monitors the pressure that remains, the balance being the amount of "leakdown". A GOOD healthy motor will leak less than 3~5%, more than about 10~15% is in need of repair, but as was stated above, you can listen to ''where'' it's leaking, so you know whether to go after head gaskets, valves or valve adjustment, or rings. | ||
| − | [ | + | [[File:Homemade leakdown tester.jpg|left|frame|Components of a leakdown tester]] |
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| + | [http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/leakdown.html Article on how to make a leakdown tester] | ||
==Cooling system pressurizer== | ==Cooling system pressurizer== | ||
This homemade tool is made from a radiator cap, a tire valve stem and a rubber plug that fits the radiator ID. The rubber plug is held firmly in place by a gutted radiator cap. Air can be added by a hand pump or very carefully using a compressor. Keep the pressure at or below the original rating for the radiator cap. | This homemade tool is made from a radiator cap, a tire valve stem and a rubber plug that fits the radiator ID. The rubber plug is held firmly in place by a gutted radiator cap. Air can be added by a hand pump or very carefully using a compressor. Keep the pressure at or below the original rating for the radiator cap. | ||
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