Leakdown tester homemade engine cylinder troubleshooting tool
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− | If you have an | + | If you have an cylinder in the engine that is not as strong as the rest, and you have determined that it is getting spark, here's how to make a simple tool that may aid in locating the problem. |
#Take an old spark plug that fits the engine, and remove all of the porcelain and the center electrode, leaving just the outer shell. | #Take an old spark plug that fits the engine, and remove all of the porcelain and the center electrode, leaving just the outer shell. | ||
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#Turn the engine over until the piston in the suspect cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. | #Turn the engine over until the piston in the suspect cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. | ||
#Insert the modified plug and apply 60-80 psi air to the cylinder. Be certain not to use so much air that it turns the engine. | #Insert the modified plug and apply 60-80 psi air to the cylinder. Be certain not to use so much air that it turns the engine. | ||
− | #With air pressure in the cylinder, listen: | + | #With air pressure in the cylinder, look and listen: |
− | *If you hear air bubbles, it may be a leaking head gasket. | + | *If you hear air bubbles, it may be a leaking head gasket. You can also remove the radiator cap and look for bubbles. |
− | *If you hear air in the exhaust, it may be a leaking exhaust valve. | + | *If you hear air in the exhaust (at the exhaust outlet), it may be a leaking exhaust valve. |
− | *If you hear air coming up through the carb | + | *If you hear air coming up through the carb (open the throttle) it may be a leaking intake valve. |
*If you hear a hissing noise from the oil fill tube, or the dipstick tube, it may be a piston or piston ring problem. | *If you hear a hissing noise from the oil fill tube, or the dipstick tube, it may be a piston or piston ring problem. | ||