Is a leak down test necessary?

[narkose]

This may sound like a sacrilegious question but...

......is a leakdown really necessary if you get a compression test that is consistent across both banks of cylinders generating pressures of 205-210?

[aigel]

IMHO a leakdown is done if compression is suspect. I.e. the dynamic compression test shows that someting is not right. The leak down is also good on an engine that does not turn over / has been removed.

I bought my 993 with only dynamic compression test numbers. PO had a compression test done during the bigger services and the numbers were even between cylinders and consistent over the years. Gave me enough confidence.

There may be other situations where you may want to be more careful. Say, if I bought a modified 600 horse twin turbo, I would get a leak down.

Good Luck,

George

[narkose]

George,

So, in your mind with the compression numbers mentioned, would you forgo the leakdown?

Andrew

[aigel]

If the car is a stock car with full history, one or two owners and checks out during the test drive, I personally would forgo the dynamic test. I do think the risk is relatively low that you get a bum engine if you have a low risk situation and dynamic compression numbers like that.

Let us know what you bought!


George