Engine Compression

Low Compression Causing Misfires – Is It A Mechanical Malfunction

07/25/2025

First, low compression can be caused by a number of different issues, resulting in a misfire. So, let’s say you have ruled out ignition and fuel delivery, as the cause of the misfire. Then, that […]

Valve Springs Can Cause, Floating Valves and Pumped Up Lifters

03/26/2025

Valve Springs, have a very basic job, but how they do it, is very important. By the time they have 100,000 miles on them, they have probably lost up to 10%, of their tension. The […]

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, […]

Valves And Piston Rings Seal Compression

Valves and Piston Rings: Problems, Causes and Solutions

11/15/2024

Valves and piston rings, are crucial for your engine to function properly. Aside from your head gasket, these are the parts that are responsible for, sealing the combustion chamber. Most of the time, valves and […]

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 […]

Piston With Piston Rings and Their Location

Engine Piston Rings – How Do They Work – How Can They Fail

07/22/2024

First, engine piston rings, have one of the most important jobs. Because, they seal the combustion chamber, while dissipating heat. And, they need to ensure that no oil reaches the combustion chamber, while keeping the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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). […]

Engine Misfiring – What Can Cause It – Tracking Down The Problem

12/13/2023

What is engine misfiring and what are the main causes. Engine misfiring, is bad, so it’s best to find the problem and fix it as soon as possible. Because, engine misfiring reduces gas mileage and […]

Top Dead Center - (TDC) Is When The Piston, Is At The Top Of Its Stroke

Top Dead Center – Is When The Piston, Is At The Top Of Its Stroke

12/04/2023

Top Dead Center (TDC) refers to, the point when the piston is at the absolute top, of its stroke. So, a piston can be at Top Dead Center (TDC), on the compression stroke or on […]

Engine Will Not Start, But Fuel, Spark And Compression Are Good

11/17/2023

All engines require three things to start and run, spark, fuel and compression. So, if any one of these is missing, your engine will not start. With a engine will not start issue, the possible […]

Engine Compression – What Can Cause, Low Or No Compression

11/16/2023

So, Engine Compression is the pressure created, inside each of the engine’s cylinders. And, low or no compression leads to, incomplete combustion and misfires. Symptoms of low engine compression can be, an illuminated (CEL), and […]

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

11/08/2023

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