Matco leak down test
 

I borrowed a leak down tester from a friend. The test unit has a flexible hose. I cannot get the adapter end to screw into the spark plug hole. The flexible nature of the hose does not allow correct alignment. I checked the threads on the adapter end and they are the same as the spark plugs. Is there a secret to getting the adapter thread in to the spark plug hole? Is there a rigid adapter part that fits into the spark plug hole?
This is a Matco leak down tester.
Thanks in advance!!

Mine also has a flexible hose you just have to practice at it if you are sure that you have the correct threaded end.

Thanks Kurt,
I just wanted to make sure I had the correct parts with this unit. You are right, it connected after several attempts. Jsu takes some pratice!
Thanks again!

One thing I found out this weekend is that many leak testers come with two ends. The short treaded end will not go into the head properly, you have to use the end (adapter) that has the longer threads on it.

Check this by holding the threaded end up to you spark plug, if it is the same length (threads) then it will fit. If it is shorter than your spark plug it will not thread in correctly....

CAUTION! The longer one is for deep reach spark plugs, the short one is for "normal" reach plugs. If you use the long one in an engine ment for normal ones you can end up with a broken piston! Match the length of the adapter to the length of your spark plug.

FYI - I bought the Stomski compression tester 911 adapter tool. It is a machined tube that allows reaching and screwing into the spark plug hole a breeze. I can't believe how easy this makes doing compression tests compared to fighting rubber hoses. One of my best investments.
-h

hcoles,

Thanks for the FYI. I HATED fighting the rubber tube. I'll make this tool one in my collection!

While the Stomski piece (like his other tools) is well made and good to have in your toolbox (his chain wheel parallelism tool is wonderful to have), I gained a measure of relief by stiffening the rubber hose: slit another piece of stiffer and larger rubber hose (from your junk hose box), put it around the nicely (for other purposes) flexible one, and wrap it with tape. Mine now is a bit crooked, but much easier to get started than before. If a guy used a better material, he could probably get something quite straight - maybe slit a plastic pipe with a bandsaw, then glue it back together around the pesky hose.

Walt Fricke