Leakdown tester
 

I am finally getting ready to drop my engine and replace head studs/top end job. I have not done a leakdown test on it and want to. Question is that the super nice Snap-on tester retails for $299. I see inexpensive testers on eBay for $75. Now I usually prefer really good tools but has anybody used these less expensive leakdown setups? In this case I and a buddy might use the tool twice a year, not several times a week like a real shop. Is there an issue with accuracy of the inexpensive testers ? Or of course any local Pelicanites that want to let me borrow one....

The accuracy is related to the quallity of the guages. The basic hardware should all be pretty similar. I have used a cheaper one for years with out any problems. .... You could always get a cheap one and replace the guages if you were really concerned about them.

Cheers

I have been using one of the less expensive ones for years and it works fine. (till I dropped it the other day) :O
This is it, or was it.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131054647.jpg

Tavia Performance makes a good one and it is not too expensive:

http://www.tavia.com/cat8.html

The two gauge types show differential pressures and tend to be more accurate.

I bought a used 2 gage Longacre one off ebay for less than $40. Worked fine after I resealed all the joints. I might swap the gages out at some point if I have nothing else to do.

-Michael

Thanks guys, I scored one on eBay this AM for $50, time will tell!

Leak down testers are not rocket science. I rolled my own using instructions found here. All the parts costs about $20. I got a regulator/gauge combo at Northern Tool

I upgraded it a bit by using an air hose with a swivel and a number of quick connects.

This is a motorcycle site but the same tool works for autos. I have created different ends for each motor I work on. I'm very pleased with it.

Leak down testers are not rocket science. I rolled my own using instructions found here. All the parts costs about $20. I got a regulator/gauge combo at Northern Tool

I upgraded it a bit by using an air hose with a swivel and a number of quick connects.

This is a motorcycle site but the same tool works for autos. I have created different ends for each motor I work on. I'm very pleased with it.