Leak down testing cold engine
 

I went to my local Harbor Freight and purchased their leak down testor for $34. I then got tired of trying to figure out the goofy guage on the right side and switched it to a 100psi guage I already had. So far so good. I had less than 5% on all cylinders that I assume is good.

The engine is on a stand and has been there for a year. I have no history on the engine so I want to get an idea on what I have before I start to put it in either my 73 or 71. The engine is a 84 euro and was going to be put into a 914 until the original owner died. The case has been split at some point in its life but thats all I know. It doesn't look like it was done recently due to dirt, ect. The plugs looked good, not new.

Anything else I can check while the engine is out without actually taking parts off?

that seems great... I think warming the engine a bit is recommended to get oil on the rings/etc. before testing my 2 cents - others are likely more expert.

yeah, don't bother cold. it'll just freak you out.

What is "goofy" about the HF pressure gauge?

Since I haven't had a chance to see one, I wonder if the HF pressure gauge is calibrated for air pressure other than 100psi, and if the leak gauge leak percentages are calibrated for their pressure gauge?

Probably nothing to worry about, but you get my drift?

Sherwood

The guage on the left reads PSI, the one on the left is different, and pegs out around 30psi. It makes more sense to me to have the guages read the same. I set the input preasure at 100psi and the other guage was reading 95 or more. This is how the better guages that I have seen were set up.

I just couldn't figure out how to use it unless I had the pressure set low.

But if the numbers are OK cold, wouldn't that be fine?

try it and see. you need practice anyway.