DIY Leak Down Tester

[85_600]

Yea, I'm thinking of building a basic version of this. I found this here:

Leak Down Tester (http://www.650motorcycles.com/LeakDownTester.html)

Would this be decent enough to use on a TD? Specifically, I was considering doing it to my 600. I've been doing some research on my problems and I'd like to know for sure that my head is decent. As far as I know this test would tell me how it's doing. I just don't want to tear into the engine, replace rings and/or pistons just to find out that my head needs work too.

I checked out some prices and I could probably make this for about $30, maybe less.

Opinions?

Thanks!
Paul

[Lee'sdaytona]

Geeze Paul, we're really on the same track....you might see my post in the HELP section called "Daytona getting tired!" ....Most signs point to cracked piston, but I have yet to do a leak down test, because I don't have a testor. From the looks of it, I could easily make one out of the parts from my compression testor...well somewhat...
-Lee

[guyd_15]

Here is a post I put on the other site
http://www.turbododge.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30963&highlight=leakdown+tester
I use this everytime, even before I begin a tune up.
It's cheap and works with deadly accuracy, This should be made a sticky. Use the and just skip a compression test.
Guy

[85_600]

Here is a post I put on the other site
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...kdown+tes ter
I use this everytime, even before I begin a tune up.
It's cheap and works with deadly accuracy, This should be made a stiky. Use the and just skip a compression teast.
Guy

The link does't work...help!:p

[guyd_15]

Ok the link is working now. I build mine for less than $15 using parts from Grainger. Throw a way that compression tester. I use 2 gauges, I place one just after the quick disconect and before the restrictor, so I make certain the supply air pressure is constant.
Guy

[Frank]

We will make this a FAQ soon.

[Lee'sdaytona]

I went to grainger today: I had to go for the $20 regulator since the $15 wasn't in stock. Bought a ton of fittings, 1/4" pipe, the greese hose....totaled $55. Well I realized that its much easier to just pull the little valve stem out of my compression testor hose rather than screw around with a grease hose, reducer fittings, and tapping old spark plugs...so I'm taking the grease hose and some quick disconnect fittings back that I bought the wrong size in...doh....the pressure gauge goes to 160, but It will do. I took one of my pipes and filled it with some 2-part epoxy, and when it dries I'll drill the small hole in it to make the "damper valve". I'll let you guys know how it works out
-Lee

[guyd_15]

After you use it you'll toss the compression tester. I generally check each time I change sparkplugs.
Guy

[Lee'sdaytona]

yeah thats what a lot of people say, but to me, its more of a PITA to get each cylinder at exactly TDC, and on the compression stroke...I like the compression testor...screw in, floor it and crank it...read gauge...but I definately like the leak down tester better for diagnostics...
-Lee

[Una]

We will make this a FAQ soon.
Soon being a relative term, apparently. ;)

I bought a Leakdown tester from Harborfrieght.. I think it was $40.. If that.. Works, but always seems to say the engine is shot..

[Lee'sdaytona]

Soon being a relative term, apparently. ;)

I bought a Leakdown tester from Harborfrieght.. I think it was $40.. If that.. Works, but always seems to say the engine is shot..
so.....it actually doesn't work? or are all your engines actually shot:lol:
-Lee

[Una]

That's the big question.. I don't have any new engines to test it on and get a baseline.. ;) I would assume the gauge works fine.. And apparently engines at 60% leakdown work fine..

[turbovanman²]

That's the big question.. I don't have any new engines to test it on and get a baseline.. ;) I would assume the gauge works fine.. And apparently engines at 60% leakdown work fine..

Yep, its called more boost, :nod:

[Una]

Yeah, might explain why 87 octane works just fine for me.. ;) Or why I can run 14psi non intercooled.. haha..

[puppet]

Here's a way to check out your gauges Una. Make or buy a .080" jet/restrictor.
Insert this into a short length of hose that you can attach to the end of the leak down tester. When you apply 100psi on the regulator's gauge the other gauge should read 20psi or 80% leak down with the .080" jet in the end. All of these gauges are calibrated on this baseline ... 80@80.

[Una]

Here we go.. $35 at HarborFreight..
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94190

[guyd_15]

Great Find! $35 unbelievable!
Guy

[Lee'sdaytona]

^ yeah really. Too bad I didn't check them out before I made my own...
-Lee

[tryingbe]

Location
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/retail_stores.taf#OH

[DBB mini]

I actually went to Harbor freight, purchased one of these testers last week. Tested it against my buddy's Matco leakdown tester. No good. The HF one is very difficult to set @ zero. Matco one is a snap. HF sets @ 15psi on the reg, Matco sets @ 35psi. I personally think the regulator on the HF one is cheap junk. For $40 it may be worth finding a better regulator? HF one read like 30% on the same cylinder the Matco read 8%. Sure would be a shame to mis-diagnose a problem due to faulty equipment. My .02

Coy

[Una]

Yeah, like I said.. I have the same one, or at least very very similar.. And mine reads awefully high leakdown percentages.. I stick with my compression gauge most of the time.

[Lee'sdaytona]

well you get what you pay for...
-Lee

[turbovanman²]

well you get what you pay for...
-Lee


Isn't that the truth, :amen: