Could someone please post step by step directions to "properly" do a compression test on my 289 with my compression tester. just want to make sure everything is done correctly. thanks.

 

pull all the sparkplugs out. turn the engine over a few times. record all 8 cylinders. They shouldn't be more then 20 psi off. like if one of them was 140, and an another one was 100, something is really wrong.

 

If you find a clyinder that is lower than the others squirt some oil in it and test it again. If the reading goes up your rings are worn if it stays the same it could be valves. If two adjacent cylinders are low look for headgasket problems. The range for psi varies a lot but what your looking for is that all the cylinders are close to the same.

 

You are going to have to have a buddy to help you. Someone needs to hold the tester in the spark plug hole and take a reading while the other person needs to try to start the engine. Either that, or grow another arm and hand then use a remote starter.

 

Unless they have a good one that screws in

 

True dat!

 

i do have one that screws in, so in general, i should take all the plugs out and try to fire the engine and record the psi. i take it i leave the coil hooked up and just go ahead like i would normally be trying to start the motor correct?

 

When I do mine it shouldnt matter if I have the carb and air cleaner off should it? Howabout the Valve covers?

 

http://www.motorage.com/motorage/art...l.jsp?id=16170

all your questions answered regarding the compression test.

 

Thanks Derf. That's a good link