Hey y'all ... Wishing everyone an early but safe and Happy New Year from Alabama!

I want to check my compression because I received a "pro" compression gauge (from Autozone) for XMas and was curious what my readings were. I read on the internet that you just number the wires, remove the plugs and then test each one individually 2x and then make sure the variance between them is not too great. But the book from the gauge states that the carb should be held in WOT position and electronic ignition should be disabled ... is this true and if so, what steps do I need to take?

Thanks,
Mark

 

In an ideal world that is the proper way to do it.
Check and see if you can find the fuse or relay to shut down the fuel pump.

 

pull the fuse to the fuel pump and then start the engine and let it run out of gas. pull onlyone plug at a time, you only need to crank it for a few seconds and with no fuel it wont start.
then on a piece of paper write down the compression readings from each cyclinder 1-8.
have fun with your new toy.

 

Here are the results of my compression test:
<rear of eng>
8 = 160 7 = 166
6 = 155 5 = 152
4 = 162 3 = 163
2 = 164 1 = 158
<front of eng>

I don't know much about these tests and I know DIY compression gauges are not very accurate but at least there is not much variance between the highest and lowest reading nor much difference between cylinders. I was a little worried because I blew a heater hose last week and I was on a narrow traffic filled hwy when I noticed the smoke and gauge climbing, probably went about 300 ft before getting to a gas station to pull off. Gauge almost made it to hot, replaced hoses with Autozone hose until I can order new hose kit and filled with Dex cool and water.So far no leakage or coolant loss ... hopefully dodged a bullet. I normally would have shut off vehicle immediately upon seeing gauge climb but it was not rising fast but this road has no shoulder and traffic both ways was insane (for us at least).

 

Well saftey first. It sucks but if you have to blow a engine to keep yourself and family safe then so be it.
I dont know what the compression is supposed to be, but like you said atleast the numbers are close.

 

Amen to that ... gotta protect my two munchkins and the wifey at all costs!