ok, so im goin to go out and do a basic compression test on my 302 this afternoon, and I want to just make sure im doing this right so i dont waste my time.

1. remove spark plugs
2. remove wire from distributor
3. connect compression gauge to cylinder to be tested.
4. open throttle and crank engine till needle stabalizes.

right? its just me by myself, so i was wondering if there was and easy way to crank the engine whithout being in the car.

 

Yeah just touch the positive side of the starter relay with the closest terminal with a screwdriver.

 

take all spark plugs out. Look at the gauge after the the first crank. this will be the imediate condition of your rings/valves (it should go to most of the compression value). You don't need to crank it more than 5 times per cyl, there's no spark plugs in the engine so's there's no reason to disconnect thewire from the distributorand opening the throttle is not neccessaryeither. its got plently of air.
if the compression isn't up by the5th crank,then it 's not coming up.