Compression Tester

[JT FORD]

Looking to purchase a Tester. Harbor Freight has them from @17.00 and up.
They are China I'm sure and may not be much good! NAPA has one for $45.00. Anyone have a Napa tester???? Good or Bad?

[Russ/40]

Paying attention to technique is probably more important than China vs USA. Good cranking speed, the number of cycles and open throttle and the use of lubricants are what's important. I suggest you buy "better" or higher level at HF or the NAPA one. Either will serve you for a lifetime.

[Will D]

I've got the Chinese made one from princess auto(your harbor freight equivalent). Works fine. Compared readings with a buddies more expensive brand, no difference.

[JayChicago]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

Good cranking speed, the number of cycles and open throttle and the use of lubricants are what's important.

Russ: What do you mean by "use of lubricants" ?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by JayChicago

Russ: What do you mean by "use of lubricants" ?

After testing and getting some LOW readings, some folks will squirt a shot of oil in the cylinder to see if that will help raise the readings, in the case of worn-out COMPRESSION rings. It doesn't 'fix' anything, but can help to verify bad comp rings. DD

[Talkwrench]

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Make sure its a screw in type. I still have my American made ABW one, spot on .
And while you're at it make sure you have a good vacuum gauge too..

[Tinker]

It's hard to say if the HF version will be good or not. I find most things from there either work great or break the first time you use it. There is a lot of companies that sell compression testers. Napa probably is a good bet. Probably a good chance they are all made in china. You can ask Napa, and if they are not. Buy it.


Snyder's Model A sells a 14mm to 18mm adapter to run 14mm plugs in a model a. You can buy one to use when you compression test your early ford.


Lastly, if budget is an issue. Autozone (probably others) loan tools for free. They charge a hold on your credit card till you bring it back and then they refund it.


Best of luck!
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