Best Compression Tester for the money??

[blackNyellow787]

I am looking to purchase an ACCURATE compression tester. Something that i can keep for a long time! Im tired of borrowing my neighbors snap on one, so i decided its time to purchase my own. I would like one with different attachments and everything.

I'd like some input and suggestions on what brands to stay away from and what ones are good. Im young (22) so i dont have as much knowlegde as some of you board members.

Thanks fellas,
Cody

 

[AdamXP800]

If your neighbors snap on does good for you, why not purchase one like it?

 

[blackNyellow787]

well i know theres a "middle of the road" tester that will do the same thing his does for half the price, so thats kinda what im after.

You pay alot for the snap on name, nice products but overpriced.

 

[68ragtop]

I own a combination of matco, snap on & craftsman tools. Depends on the tool. Some of the snap-on stuff is re-labled & price inflated, & some things are worth the money. There is a decent craftsman gauge that includes all the right adaptors that is under $100. just make sure whatever you buy, it not only has the correct sizes, but thread depths in each size as well. Each adapter should have its own check valve at the very tip of the adaptor. I personally dislike pressure gauges that have adapters, fitting adapters. the check valve of the tester needs to sit in the head close to where the tip of the spark plug would normally sit when installed. If it doesn't, your adding volume to the combustion chamber effectively lower the compression by a couple lbs

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

I bought one from O Reiley auto parts, i think it was 29.99. Seems to work fine for me...at least i always get 150 on it so that makes me happy happy happy

 

[Dr Honda]

I have a $300 snap on at my shop.... but truth be told... I also have 2 of the $20 harbor freight gauges, and that's what gets used. They are accurate enough.... and when I drop one, I don't have to cry. I simply toss it in the trash, and get another.


When you buy one... hook it to the shop air, and just make sure the gauge is reading the same as your shop gauge.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Whatever gauge you decide to purchase, you can apply regulated air pressure to the tester. You want to ensure that both the pressure regulator gauge and the cylinder pressure gauge stabilize out at the same pressure reading. Any difference in pressure indication could mean leaks in the tester or defective gauges. The tester can then be repaired or calibrated as necessary.

And, the gauge should not leak down scale after the engine stops rotating.

 

[blackNyellow787]

Good info guys, this is going to be tough picking one out..

 

[blairwill4]

Good info guys, this is going to be tough picking one out..

I highly recomend the 30$ oreillys one as mentioned previous. Its never let me down. I had 3 different harbor freight ones that did not work before i finally said screw it. Ive tested my oreilly tester multiple times against my buddies strap on tester and works like a charm.

 

[Pointhunter75]

I highly recomend the 30$ oreillys one as mentioned previous. Its never let me down. I had 3 different harbor freight ones that did not work before i finally said screw it. Ive tested my oreilly tester multiple times against my buddies strap on tester and works like a charm.

Strap on tester. Lol

 

[blackNyellow787]

blairwill4 thats good to know, ill look into it

 

[summer]

I bought this one from Sears
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00947089000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Has plenty of adapters as well as spare parts for repairs and its accurate according to my air compressor gauge. Actually happened to find it on sale in the store when I decided to buy it.