How in the heck do you...
 

... get the hose for the compression tester screwed into the spark plug hole???

I have been running very weak since my last track event, and am finally getting around to doing a compression check.

I bought one of those compression testers from PP that says it is "especially good for use on all Porsches". Well, I have an early S motor with almost no extra frills in the engine compartment and I do not see how you can get that hose threaded into your spark plug hole without boogering up the threads in the head, or at least A LOT of trial and error and "feeling" around while twisting.

Either there must be a trick to this that one of the wizards on this board might share, or you really need a 5" rigid fitting that has a spark plug thread on one end and a quick disconnect on the other for the gauge.

I know lots of folks on this board do this procedure over their lunch hour, so I was hoping you might share some wisdom.

Thanks,

JA

p.s. Please look for another thread following this one entitled "Interesting Discovery" with a question / observation I had when removing my spark plugs.

------------------
John
70/73 RS Spec Coupe

John,

My 25+ year old Sun gauge has a heavy ribbed, wire-reinforced hose that can be easily threaded into the spark plug holes on my 'S' ... with or without A/c comprerssor in place.

Maybe you do need an extension pipe on your adapter. I didn't find Pelican's compression gauge in the 911 section tools listing.

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

Hmmm...

The hose I am having problems with is some 15" long. I apologize for the miscommunication on the source of my tester... it was Performance Products (PP). Everytime I order something from them, it is late, expensive, and doesn't work as advertised. I would have certainly bought one from Pelican if they had one.

Do you know where I could get a rigid, or heavy braided steel hose like you mention? My guage has a quick disconnect fitting, so if I can get the right hose, I should be in business.

Thanks!

JA

------------------
John
70/73 RS Spec Coupe

John,

I have never seen a 'finished' hose assembly like this one, but if you go to an industrial hose & fitting store, I am sure they will have a similar type of wire-reinforced hose available, which they can cut and swage whatever kind of ends you need onto.

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

Try making the hose more rigid by adding heat shrink tubing. Maybe a layer or two.

------------------
Derk Pitt
88 Carrera Coupe

The hose for my compression guage is about 14" long and just rubber. I don't have too much trouble with any cyl. except #1 (it's a tight squeeze with the plug wires, fuel injection, and ground strap). I guess I must just have a good idea where the hole lies within each head.
I like the rubber hose because you can feed it in with one hand, and twist it with the other.

------------------
Dan Tolley
1987 911 Coupe
http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=0&userid=294

Performance is starting to get the reputation of Automobile Atlanta of the West. I would buy from Pep Boys before giving my money to those monkeys....

In my opinion, you need a two-piece compression gauge with a flexible hose. A rigid pipe long enough to thread into the plug hole won't allow you enough room to attach a gauge. Sears/Penske makes a two-piecer that should work. Works for me.

Suggestion: Buy basic hand tools from a tool store, not a specialty car accessory store.

Sherwood Lee
'69 "rs"
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars