Compression / leakdown test controversy

[Victor]

Hi guys,

This question might seem a bit odd, but if you where charged good money for the above test (approx. AU$ 400), what would you expect in terms of a written report? I ask because I took my 3.2 with 110K in for one and got told "matey, one plug was oily-she might need a rebuild. Then again, she might not". Great.

Is this about as formal a report as I can expect or should I look for a more caring professional outfit?

[twin plugged targa]

I have not had a full compression test, so thers may be better qualified to advise but I would say that a compression test would come 1st with results one paper showing relative compression % for each cylinder including respective numbers of cylinders. Then I believe a leakdown test would come next if neccessary.
Be very carefull with the garage IF it is not already a trusty source as my experience was not good with the mechainic quoting an average compression rateing on one cylinder and stating the valves were worn!.
After checking with these guys found the compression was average and that a compression test should ahve been done on ALL cylinders!.
As far as costing for the test..... anyone?
regards Ben

[Victor]

Thanks for your reply Ben,

I have never had this test done before and the way this has been handled does seem somewhat flippant given the cost of a rebuild. Incidentally, the shop in question is considered top dog amongst the "tier 2" Porsche workshops around here.

[Matt Holcomb]

Victor,

Who did the compression/leakdown test?


Matt Holcomb
MFIWDP
PRVC
BOHICA
1974 911 Carrera 2.7 RoW
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
Dedicated Homepage
Engine Rebuild Homepage
Porsche Owners Gallery Profile
Pelican Gallery Profile

[Victor]

Hi Matt,

I think you know the answer. Naming anyone in particular would be pretty irresponsible and won't help me in my quest to make the right decision to go looking for another shop.

If they lurk here, they know who they are.

[Gunter]

The "Matey"-mechanic actually sounds funny. There should be a written report with details for each cylinder showing the actual compression and leak-down rate. Go back and talk to management to get your money back, and, go somewhere else. Best wishes.

[jmohn]

The previous owner had the car in for "Check cars over-all condition" and and oil change at a respected, local, independent Porsche shop just before I bought it (also, I confirmed this "check-up" with the shop before I bought it). From that invoice: the "condition check" included a leak-down test which lists the cylinders and their respective precentage of loss (1-1%, 6-4%, 2-2%, 4-4%, 3-4%, 5-3%), the cost of the leak-down test was USD$150.00. BTW, the ONLY problem they found was weak "S-hose" which they replaced for USD$26.26. Due to a lack of previous records, my decision to buy this car was actually based on the findings of this shop plus my own opinion of it's over-all condition (very strong, very tight, VERY well kept). That was a year ago and it has proved to be an excellent car.

Hope this helps,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Matt Holcomb]

Victor,

$400 for a compression test and no written report? Are these people on crack?

You got raped and pillaged, my friend. Who hit their self-destruct button?


Matt Holcomb
MFIWDP
PRVC
BOHICA
1974 911 Carrera 2.7 RoW
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
Dedicated Homepage
Engine Rebuild Homepage
Porsche Owners Gallery Profile
Pelican Gallery Profile

[Victor]

Wow,

The responses here made me dig out the invoice again. There are no records at all of any results. But there is a line item "completed compression test and recorded all readings". Although I'm not so sure where they have been recorded.

And I must apologise, the amount itemised for the test seems to be $308. Not $400. But still, seems like crazy money.

[john walker's workshop]

a competent tech should be able to do a compression and leakdown test in about 1/2 hr to 45 minutes. 930s not included. that would be in the $40-$60 range. worn guides don't show up in these tests. if the valves are sealing against their seats, the leakdown will be low, regardless how worn the guides are. oil usage gives a clue to guide wear, especially on carreras. a Quart in 300 miles is not uncommon on an engine with worn guides and damaged stem seals. if you find a crusty, oil fouled plug, that pretty much says it too.

[yelcab1]

Devils' advocate mode on:

Customer ordered a compression / leakdown test to ascertain the condition of the engine. during the test the "technician" finds the compression and leakdown to be perfectly normal, and that there is one cylinder with oil crust on the spark plug. Technician tells customer: "mate, compression is normal but you may need a rebuild (valve job) because of one crusty oily spark plug."

Well, that sounds about right, if the technician assumes that customers don't know how to interprete the details.

Devil's advocate mode off, consumer's mode on:

Mate, I paid you 400 aussie dollars, I want a written record of what the compression of each cylinder is, what percentage leak-down for each cylinder, whatever else you find, and your diagnosis in details and the reasons you think that way, plus an estimate of the cost of any repair(s) you suggested. Else, give me my freaking money back. And, by the way, $400 is way too much for what you just did.

Mitchell's mode: I would do it myself.

[Sean Hamilton]

Originally posted by Victor
.........charged good money for the above test (approx. AU$ 400), ..........

[WydRyd]

Vic,

When I first bought my Cab from Duttons, I had PCM do the PPI.

To my surprise, they didn't do a compression test as part of the PPI. I was P!SSED to say the least and wrote a letter of complaint to PCM that went unanswered

I had to find another shop to do it, which cost $200 (Duttons absorbed the cost too .

They provided a full compression report (on their letterhead), listing each cylinder and compression reading and signed the document.

If you have oil on a plug, it *may* be a pulled head stud?

FWIW, To date I still haven't received my dyno sheets & A/F readings (post conversion)

[Sean Hamilton]

Originally posted by WydRyd
.......I had PCM do the PPI.

To my surprise, they didn't do a compression test as part of the PPI. I was P!SSED to say the least and wrote a letter of complaint to PCM that went unanswered.....I had to find another shop to do it, .......

Oh GREAT! That's what I didn't need to read.
No sooner you think you've finally found the right mob...... someone with a bad experience bobs up to de-bunk them.
I'm Getting tired of this.
Maybe a Subaru Dealer can look after a Porsche?

[WydRyd]

LOL! Just talking from personal experience Sean. You may have better luck.

It may have been an oversight on their part, but seeing it was the first item on the PPI list, I can't see how

I'm going to sell my car and buy a GTR or TT Supra

[Neilk]

Originally posted by john walker's workshop
a competent tech should be able to do a compression and leakdown test in about 1/2 hr to 45 minutes.

I hate to mention this, but lots of techs can do a certain job properly and quickly, unfortunately some shops like to bill by the book rate regardless of the time spent on the job. I guess that's a whole other topic.

[Adam]

um... maybe "joe9oneone" knows who it was that did the tests, Victor...

[WydRyd]

ROFLMAO!!!