Leak Down Tester .... Most Reliable & Best Value?

jh225 · 05-30-2009, 09:15 AM

I understand that Harbor Freights unit is junk so I won't be looking at that, but the only other one other than Matco ($140) that I can find is from Star Products CLT2PB at around $70-75. (Other folks are also selling the Star unit with a different label.)

I searched our hosts catalog but am coming up with nothing.

Is there anyone using the Star unit and what do you think of it?

Anyone using something else I should be looking at that I have not found in my Google search?

I definitely want a 2 gauge unit and I would like to keep it under $100.

RoninLB · 05-30-2009, 09:49 AM

pelican can get any mfg you need.

I have a decent $70 unit. Grady Clay & John Walker's Workshop posted some info on different units a couple of years ago. You can also just call pelican.

Some guys also posted different techniques on using them from instruction note in box to what aircraft guys do for best readings. Good stuff.

if you search it post a link on this thread

Porsche_monkey · 11:56 AM

deleted...

jh225 · 05-30-2009, 10:46 AM

OK, people. I am NOT looking for the procedure as it doesn't get any more simple. I AM looking for a decent quality tool at a fair price. It is that simple.

I had already done a search and came up empty. I had already called Pelican Parts and they are closed on Saturdays. So I created a thread. Ummmmmkay?

JFairman · 05-30-2009, 11:33 AM

If you just replace the 14psi right side leakdown gauge with a simple $10, 0-100psi gauge, the harbor freight unit works as well as most of them.

It's such a simple design that as long as the adjustable air pressure regulator is stable and the hoses don't leak there is nothing else there but two 0-100psi gauges with a small orifice in the metal body between them so there is nothing else that can go wrong.

Porsche_monkey · 05-30-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh225

OK, people. I am NOT looking for the procedure as it doesn't get any more simple. I AM looking for a decent quality tool at a fair price. It is that simple.

I had already done a search and came up empty. I had already called Pelican Parts and they are closed on Saturdays. So I created a thread. Ummmmmkay?

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoninLB

Some guys also posted different techniques on using them from instruction note in box to what aircraft guys do for best readings. Good stuff.

if you search it post a link on this thread

Actually, if you had bothered to read what I posted, and what Ron implied was interesting, you might have learned how to make one yourself, for a few dollars.

But, given your attitude, I will decline to offer any more help. Good luck in your search. The thread is now devoted to you and you alone. Carry on....

jh225 · 05-30-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche_monkey

Actually, if you had bothered to read what I posted, and what Ron implied was interesting, you might have learned how to make one yourself, for a few dollars.

But, given your attitude, I will decline to offer any more help. Good luck in your search. The thread is now devoted to you and you alone. Carry on....

Gee, thanks there Sparky. If I wanted to go through the hassle of finding the gauges and the block , etc to make one I wouldn't have asked where to buy one. If you have nothing else to say, just move on.

Grady Clay · 05-30-2009, 05:58 PM

Here are two good threads. There are more if you search.

Leakdown tester

What does "% leak down" really mean?

Best,
Grady

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

Here is a nice one we use and it has the proper Orifice for the size cylinders we use, the only problem is you would have to get or make an adapter to fit the 14mm plug hole but that would not be hard.

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=2E&ReturnPage=/shop/search_result.aspx?PageNo=1

jh225 · 05-30-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Here are two good threads. There are more if you search.

Leakdown tester

What does "% leak down" really mean?

Best,
Grady

Thanks Grady, I couldn't find these before. Must have been because I was searching using your name as the thread starter.

jh225 · 05-30-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgarr

Here is a nice one we use and it has the proper Orifice for the size cylinders we use, the only problem is you would have to get or make an adapter to fit the 14mm plug hole but that would not be hard.

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=2E&ReturnPage=/shop/search_result.aspx?PageNo=1

Thanks Craig. That one looks very much like the OTC unit I have found except the OTC doesn't have the cutoff valve (but does have more adapters. Neither has 14mm, so its a wash)

Have you dealt with that particular company before? (slow shipping, prompt shipping, etc.)

BK911 · BK911's Garage

Google leak down tester. I made one for about $15 and it's just as accurate as any. All you need is a regulator, pressure gauge, and some misc fittings.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh225

Thanks Craig. That one looks very much like the OTC unit I have found except the OTC doesn't have the cutoff valve (but does have more adapters. Neither has 14mm, so its a wash)

Have you dealt with that particular company before? (slow shipping, prompt shipping, etc.)

They were quick for me, I checked their catalog and they do offer it with the 14mm adapter for $10 more but like GC's I made my own because I wanted it longer to reach down in the head. This is his.

Grady Clay · 05-30-2009, 06:51 PM

JH225,

Cylinder leak is probably the best diagnostic test for any mechanical cylinder sealing problem. Cranking compression also includes cam/valve action. It is worthwhile to use both.

Like many tests (say Prostate Specific Antigen) it is best to establish a baseline of readings. Both compression and cylinder leak tests should be done on a regular basis as part of your regular ‘tune-ups’. That said, they are very useful for ‘out-of-the-blue’ diagnoses of a perceived problem. In fact they are great at eliminating many problems from consideration when diagnosing.

My recommendations are based on my experience and using this in a regular shop setting. The reason I have two of these Sun instruments is we needed them every morning for many 911s. I often needed three. Having two also let us compare accuracy, resolution and repeatability. You can use this instrument to track ‘break in’ of a fresh engine on the engine dyno.

I have also used the current two-gauge units. They are not even close as a precision instrument. Yes, they are still useful (and inexpensive) as a diagnostic tool.

The Sun instrument is easily available as an ‘antique’ tool. Search on eBay.

It is very worthwhile to make an adaptor specific for a 911.

Best,
Grady