Leakdown tester homemade engine cylinder troubleshooting tool

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If you have an engine cylinder that is not as strong as the rest, and you have determined that it is getting spark, here's how to make a simple tool that may aid in locating the problem.
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If you have an cylinder in the engine that is not as strong as the rest, and you have determined that it is getting spark, here's how to make a simple tool that may aid in locating the problem.
  
 
#Take an old spark plug that fits the engine, and remove all of the porcelain and the center electrode, leaving just the outer shell.
 
#Take an old spark plug that fits the engine, and remove all of the porcelain and the center electrode, leaving just the outer shell.
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#Turn the engine over until the piston in the suspect cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke.
 
#Turn the engine over until the piston in the suspect cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke.
 
#Insert the modified plug and apply 60-80 psi air to the cylinder. Be certain not to use so much air that it turns the engine.
 
#Insert the modified plug and apply 60-80 psi air to the cylinder. Be certain not to use so much air that it turns the engine.
#With air pressure in the cylinder, listen:
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#With air pressure in the cylinder, look and listen:
  
*If you hear air bubbles, it may be a leaking head gasket.
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*If you hear air bubbles, it may be a leaking head gasket. You can also remove the radiator cap and look for bubbles.
*If you hear air in the exhaust, it may be a leaking exhaust valve.
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*If you hear air in the exhaust (at the exhaust outlet), it may be a leaking exhaust valve.
*If you hear air coming up through the carb, it may be a leaking intake valve.
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*If you hear air coming up through the carb (open the throttle) it may be a leaking intake valve.
 
*If you hear a hissing noise from the oil fill tube, or the dipstick tube, it may be a piston or piston ring problem.
 
*If you hear a hissing noise from the oil fill tube, or the dipstick tube, it may be a piston or piston ring problem.
  

Revision as of 16:14, 8 September 2008

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