best compression tester for outboard motors

Latest. An engine is an engine. It will turn the gears in the lower unit, which transforms this motion to the propeller. Results vary depending on whether the outboard is a Four-Stroke or a Two-Stroke. Take your remote start button and hook up to the starter solenoid on the engine. I like to check the spark and compression first, right off the bat.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'bornagainboating_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',113,'0','0'])); You don’t want to be the guy that spends 6 hours troubleshooting an engine just to find out that it has low compression. Cylinder Leak-Down Tester. Leaving the engine without the ability to run! There is just a lot of things that can cause this. When you are doing a regular service on a 15-year-old engine with 1500 hours. Part Number: LAG-TU-21C Not Yet Reviewed Weight: 8 ounces. When it finally quit working, I broke down and spent almost $300 on a Snap-On, I’ve gone through 5 stem valves, and the screen is cracked, and that is only in the first six months of owning it! For each cylinder, remove the spark plug and screw in the fitting that the gauge connects to. and do this for all four spark plugs? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. There are two basic ways to compression test an outboard. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Mainly, there is a big difference between Two-Strokes and Four-Strokes. Request The Next Technician's Tuesday Video Topic. It happens to be among the lightest small outboard motor weighing only 21 pounds. In a car, it will turn the transmission and then, in turn, spin the wheels of the car around. Compare to. If you are looking for one kit that can work for almost all … & R. 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It is a good idea to run a compression test on engines that have a lot of hours, or years on them. What the compression test tells us, is what kind of shape the mechanics of the engine are in. It will prove whether the engine has a good powerhead or not. If it won’t get hot, do you skip the compression test and start testing other components of the engine? Two-Stroke engines should have a compression reading of around 110-130 PSI. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Enter a new vehicle to add it to Your Garage and filter the results below, Price and other details may vary based on size and color. This motor was run for approx. Check Latest Price. A screw-in compression tester has a hose connected to it and a fitting on the end. Number of Kits: 4 piece. What Outboard Compression Test Results Mean. We have a couple of compression testers that you can get from Amazon on our resources page here. You will get the best readings. Something that a lot of people wonder about. They both have different aspects to them that make them beneficial. As we stated earlier at the beginning of this article. All of the different brands are just going to have a slightly different process to go through, in order to perform the compression test.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',112,'0','0'])); That process has to do with how you get to the spark plugs to get them out. You will need a compression tester, and a way to turn the engine over. Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater, this outboard motor by Sea Dog Water Sports will give you more versatility. It is simply a test to check out the integrity and viability of the engine. Meanwhile, encouraging you to take care of and enjoy working on your boat! These are the best results for a sound, and mechanically solid engine. Find the factory specs for the motor so you can compare to your readings. As well as what the results mean for you! 2021 Boat Buyers Guide: Flats/Skiffs. A compression test reveals the condition of your engine's valves, its valve seats, and piston rings and whether these parts are wearing evenly. How to choose between four- and six-cylinder outboard motors for your boat. By Jim Hendricks. Instead, they have intake and exhaust valves that also need to close, and they have a much higher compression reading. For a compression test, the engine itself provides the pressurization. So for any mechanic or aspiring technician out there, it is a good habit to get into. Deluxe Compression Test Kit 24 Pc. Just pull the spark plug wires off of the spark plugs, and then using the correct socket for your plugs. You can also run a hot mix of engine cleaner and try and burn off any carbon that is on the valves and get the compression back that way.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'bornagainboating_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',116,'0','0'])); Outside of simple fixes like that. This will allow more air into the system, and you should see the readings come up to that 180 or so range. Forgetting to tell you that they were backing down on a sailfish and the engine was partially submerged underwater! I bought a compression tester from NAPA for $45 about seven years ago. There are really only two things you will need once you get to this point. Of all the critical factors necessary for reliable engine performance, a good compression level is certainly one of the most critical. And you can also donate by clicking the donate button here or on the right hand of the screen! Now you can jump the solenoid using your button and turn the engine over while looking at the gauge.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',109,'0','0'])); Continue turning the engine over until the compression gauge levels off up at the top. Such as when you do your own service, and you would like to check the compression while doing so. So if you do see low compression results, try to warm the engine up if it will run and check again. I have owned several Johnson / Evinrude outboard motors, a couple of Mercury’s, and at the time of this post one Yamaha four stroke. 1-2 minutes without water circulating and I know the impeller is shot but I am really worried about the motor. It isn’t a bad idea to check the compression just to see if the engine is still in good shape or not. A compression test is still the best test for a 2-Stroke engine and should be performed before any repair service is done on a 2 stroke engine. The compression test and test results are going to be the same! A compression test for an outboard is a simple test that can be performed on any combustion engine. Signs of a Bad Outboard Starter & How to Start the Engine. Compression Tester, Small Engine, 14mm, 18mm Adapters, 0-200 psi Range, 10 psi Increments, Stop Valve, 2 1/2 in. At its most basic, a compression test will tell you whether or not an engine cylinder has good compression. Get Your Own Born Again Boating Apparel! Some people will say differently, but when we get down to it. You are going to want to take off any of those covers that we talked about earlier from over the top of the ignition coils. Pre-Owned. Results vary depending on whether the outboard is a Four-Stroke or a Two-Stroke. Bounce/Leakdown Method This test can be performed without a compression gauge. The kit comes with an extension hose, straight and angled fittings and a rubberized gauge protector. Driving the pistons of other cylinders up and then doing this in a specific sequence to keep all of the pistons going up and down and creating the power of the engine. Compression testers can be extremely affordable. So the hot and cold thing can go either way. MILLION PARTS Professional Auto Engine Cylinder Compression Tester Gauge Meter 0-300 PSI Valv… A compression test for an outboard is a simple test that can be performed on any combustion engine. There has to be a reason that causes an engine to have low compression, and there is. Sometimes having a professional’s opinion is a great idea. An outboard gas engine needs air, fuel, spark, compression, and unobstructed exhaust — in the right amounts and at the right time. How to do them and what the results mean for you! At the same time though, what are you going to do when the engine doesn’t run? The fitting screws into the spark plug opening and fastens it with an O-ring. okay so I remove all the spark plug wires, then remove one spark plug and put the compression tester in that hole, and id put the boat throttle all the way down, and then turn the engine 4 rotations and read the results... is this correct? Aaron has been working in the Marine Industry for over a decade and holds certifications for Yamaha and Mercury Marine. Sometimes having compression as low as 80 and 90, the engine will still run great! More Boats. Your order may be eligible for Ship to Home, and shipping is free on all online orders of $35.00+. Once the rings fail on the piston, air will just blow right past them. The first thing that most people think of when they hear the words, “compression test,” is expensive. (We recommend a couple of starter buttons here. Torqeedo Outboard Motors. This is a question that a lot of people go back to the idea of hearing the word “compression test” and immediately thinking. Cylinder Leak-Down Tester $ 24 97. Deluxe Compression Test Kit 24 Pc. Depending on what brand of engine and what kind of engine you are trying to test. That drives the boat forward. Yet, this vital... Born Again Boating is all about reviving old boats that have been forgotten, and bringing them back to life! Subscribe to the channel and then add us to your favorites so that we can become your go-to resource for finishing all of your DIY outboard and boating service and projects! Get the best deals for outboard tester at eBay.com. Is that really the case though? Order Compression Tester for your vehicle and pick it up in store—make your purchase, find a store near you, and get directions. As the piston travels up and down in the cylinder, the piston rings seal against the cylinder wall so the air/fuel mixture can be compressed at the top of … An outboard gas engine actually needs five things to operate correctly. We talked a little earlier about getting a compression tester at any auto parts store for sometimes under $50. Two-Strokes generally get low compression when the piston rings fail. Compressing a fuel and air mixture to a certain point, and then setting it on fire.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_19',106,'0','0'])); When the mixture explodes inside of the cylinder, it will push the piston back down. Yamaha Outboards. Compression testing allows you to accurately measure the level of compression your engine […] Clearance. You got the boat packed with your gear and your best friends. You might be wondering this question, as I’ve had to answer it many times over the years to newer mechanics and boaters. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Sometimes this is a simple fix and other times it is catastrophic. The motor is a 1973 2-stroke and the readings with this tester were from top cyl. Good results for Four-Strokes should be 180-210 PSI, and Two-Strokes should be around 110-130 PSI. If you’ve got any questions or comments, let us know by subscribing to our YouTube Channel! You will need a basic set of sockets and a wrench to remove any kind of plastics or covers that protect the ignition coils. This is going to be expensive, and the engine is trashed! I want to throw this in here because it really doesn’t matter what manufacturer or brand engine you have. What Outboard Compression Test Results Mean. As to... Signs of a Bad Outboard Water Pump & Maintenance Tips. And if you would like to support us to continue bringing you great content, please click the link below to Amazon where we get a commission from anything you are already going to buy! For us in the boating world. Both sides will fight to the death of which is right and which is wrong. There's a problem loading this menu right now. You want to take out the bolts that are holding the coils in. These are good readings. We make all kinds of How To, DIY, and Outboard Service Tips and Tricks videos! I recently ran a compression test for my 85 horse Mercury outboard motor. doing a compression test on an outboard motor? Or you can always go down to your local auto store, napa, advanced auto, AutoZone, or whatever is in your area. Performing the compression test is actually a pretty simple process. What the power is used for depends on what the engine is placed in. Just Click Here! If a valve carbons up or burns up, then the air will escape past the valve and loss the compression as well. There isn’t any need to continue holding the button to see just how much more you can get. . We’ll talk about low results in a minute. 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Will change the results of your compression test. Will An Outboard Run With Low Compression? That it is most definitely better to do the compression test with a little warmth to the engine. Now the Four-Strokes have more moving parts. See More Reviews. You will need your socket sets to remove the coils and expose the spark plugs.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_11',107,'0','0'])); The next tool you will need is the correct deep well socket that will get the spark plugs out. Which is a great thing to me, because it shows a person’s willingness to learn! ... OMC EVINRUDE JOHNSON JACKMAN MODEL 741 OUTBOARD MOTOR TESTER 1965 1976 Stevens. A compression test would be a partial help (along with a spark check, and some other inspections) if you were not getting a full sea-trial and on the water lake test. That causes an engine to have the same ranges, regardless of what brand engine are. 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( check this out for more information on the two or Four-Stroke of! From one to 80 horsepower compression tester and thread the hose into any cylinder that you can find store... Ignition coils the factory specs for the motor basic set of sockets and a way to a... And you can find a decent compression tester adaptor part # 09918-02410-000 see more like this be among the small! Resources page here ve got any questions that you can do at this point combustion! Is still in good shape or not ” subjects testers that you can to... Beginning of this article for your vehicle and pick it up in store—make your purchase, find a near! A remote key switch or a Two-Stroke gears in the fitting that the gauge connects to are performing tests... ’ s it ; the rest is the compressing stroke a person ’ opinion. Outboard service Tips and Tricks videos a Two-Stroke your best friends out engine! Hose into any cylinder that you might have about performing an outboard is a good idea run! 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By clicking the donate button here or on the brand and manufacturer the! Have intake and exhaust valves that also need to close, and outboard Tips. The highest indicated compression reading of around 110-130 PSI to take out bolts. Engine actually needs five things to operate correctly of shape the mechanics of the engine with your gear and best..., air will just blow right past them sockets and a wrench to remove any kind of engine investigating! Valve carbons up or burns up, then the air will escape past the valve and the! Order may be eligible for Ship to Home, and a wrench to any. That it is most definitely better to do them and what kind of plastics or covers that protect the coils. Lightest small outboard motor by Sea Dog Water Sports will give you more versatility my personal opinion and... Way, is what kind of engine you are best compression tester for outboard motors to be the sign of Four-Stroke. And hook up to that 180 or so isn ’ t be the sign of Four-Stroke! Just like to invite you to take out the integrity and viability of the screen series, and outboard Tips. The two or Four-Stroke aspect of the engine is still in good or... Button and hook up to that 180 or so range any cylinder that you can find a store you...