Assessing condition - before teardown
 

Can an accurate comrpession check be done on an engine while on a stand, being spun by hand? (or doesn it have to be spun faster - by a starter?)

I'm trying to assess the condition of a recently purchased motor and don't want to tear it down if it isn't necessary.

Suggestions much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Ben M.

Ok, while waiting I went and read up on leakdown tests. I was surprised at the simplicity - always figured it would be complicated. So, I'll do a leakdown test this week and report back (if anyone is interested).
-Ben M.

Answer to first question. NO you cannot do a compression check without a starter. A leakdown test, yes, but remember you are not at operating temp so something may be a little off, but NOT al whole lot. If your leakdowns are under 35% I would suspect everythings good. You can determine if the leakage is valve, rings. If its valve, do a valve job, if its rings, and under 35% I would wait and run it for a while.

Right-o, I agree with Jack (hmmm).

-Wayne