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Engine Vacuum Gauge Test: A Simple Guide

03/11/2026

An old-school engine vacuum gauge test is a powerful ally. Because, it provides a direct window into your engine’s soul. This tool is often forgotten in the digital age. Yet, it can diagnose an engine […]

How To Do A Cylinder Leak Down Test – With Or Without A Tester

12/02/2025

Doing a cylinder leak down test, can tell you more about your engine than you think. Also, it can spot issues in specific areas, that other tests will not. So, a cylinder leak down test, […]

Vacuum Leaks – How To Quickly Find Them In 5 Easy Steps

11/14/2025

Vacuum leaks in today’s computer controlled engines, can cause very serious engine damage. When an engine that has computer controlled spark and fuel systems, have vacuum leaks, the following events occur. Because, these leaks pull […]

Cylinder Power Balance Testing – Uncover Hidden Engine Issues

10/19/2025

So, performing a cylinder power balance test can help uncover hidden engine problems; which are commonly missed with other tests. This test can find problems related to engine misfires, lack of power, or just a […]

Vacuum Test Basics – What To Check And How To Do It

08/15/2025

First, doing a vacuum test, can tell you more about your engine, than you think. And, it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways, to check an engine for serious issues. So, engine […]

Fuel Pump Relay – Function – Failure – Testing Procedures

06/09/2025

The fuel pump relay, is activated whenever the ignition is turned on. So, the primary function of the fuel pump relay, is to maintain a steady voltage supply to the fuel pump. Therefore, when switched […]

Automotive Engine Valves: Function, Failure, and Testing

02/20/2025

The main function, of automotive engine valves, is to let air in and out of the cylinders. Above all, the valves in your cylinder head, are a vital part of your engine and undergo, enormous […]

Compression Test: How To Do It, Dry Or Wet – Review The Results

01/29/2025

Doing a compression test, is a good way to measure the condition of the rings, cylinders, and valves. So, if your engine is running rough or is lacking power, consider doing a compression test. Also, […]

Engine Fuel System: Signs of Trouble and What to Check

11/10/2024

So, the engine fuel systems job, sounds pretty basic. It delivers fuel from the fuel tank, to the engine. Testing the engine fuel system, is relatively simple. Engine fuel system consists of the filler hose, […]

Noid Light: Tests For An Electrical Signal, At The Fuel Injector

11/01/2024

Learning how to test fuel injectors, using a noid light, is easier than you think. Noid lights, provide a quick and easy method for detecting, if there’s an electrical signal, at the fuel injector. So, […]

Engine Power Balance Testing: Total Power Output Of The Engine

09/17/2024

The engine power balance test, can be a great way to pinpoint, a cylinder that is underperforming. Above all, a cylinder that is not working as well as, the other cylinders in the engine. The […]

Cooling Fan Relay – What Does It Do – Failure Symptoms – Testing

05/07/2024

THE COOLING FAN RELAY ESSENTIALLY FUNCTIONS AS, THE ON/ OFF SWITCH FOR THE ENGINE’S COOLING FANS. And, is therefore an important electrical component, of the engine’s cooling system. As a result, most cooling fans use […]

Wet Compression Testing Is A Step Up, From A Regular Test

04/21/2024

AFTER YOU HAVE DONE A BASIC COMPRESSION TEST, THE NEXT STEP IS, WET COMPRESSION TESTING. Above all, an engine needs a good seal between the rings, and the cylinder walls. Also, between the valves, and […]

Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) Mounted on Engine

Idle Air Control Valve (IAC), Function, Failure Symptoms – Testing

03/31/2024

SO, THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE ENGINES IDLE SPEED. And, that’s what makes the idle air control valve, a major management component of the engine. Because, it decreases or increases […]

Compression Leak Between Cylinders - No Coolant Or Oil Leaks

Compression Leak Between Cylinders: Without Any Coolant or Oil Leaks

03/08/2024

So, having a compression leak between cylinders, can allow the compression, to leak from one cylinder to the next. This causes a loss of compression, and sometimes, allows exhaust gasses, back into the intake, depending […]

Running ( Dynamic ) Compression Test - How To Do It And Why

Running Dynamic Compression Test: Evaluating Individual Cylinders

03/03/2024

Firstly, a running dynamic compression test, confirms how effective each cylinder is, at pulling air in. Secondly, holding it for the correct amount of time, then letting it go, into the exhaust. So, if a […]

Bubble Test – Used In Conjunction, With A Cylinder Leak Down Test

02/06/2024

So, to determine the health of a head gasket, between two cylinders, try doing a bubble test. If you believe you have a leak, but just cannot find it, doing a bubble test may be […]

Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay – Function – Failure – Testing

01/22/2024

The function of the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay, is to shut off power to major systems. When the key is turned off, as a safety feature. So, when the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is on. […]

Cylinder Leak Down Test – What Are The Results Telling You

01/16/2024

Doing a cylinder leak down test, especially in conjunction with a compression test. Should allow you to quickly determine, the basic condition of any engine. So, a compression test is a “dynamic test” (engine moving). […]

Vacuum Leak Detection – The Safe Way To Find Vacuum Leaks

12/31/2023

A Vacuum leak can trick you, and your car computer into believing a particular sensor, or system needs fixing. Then, you start replacing components, hoping you’ll fix the problem, unsuccessfully. Often, a vacuum leak makes […]