I am right, way right. saying im wrong. wow.
So many people do it wrong, I think they think they are right.
I learned how to do compression checks from a 30 year plus mechanic, who helped build proffesional dragster for a famous racer. not to mention, from a local motorcycle shop. who sponsored me, when I drag raced motorcycles.
It's also the same way I been checking it for 20 years.
Not to mention more than a few service manuals over the years, say pretty much the same thing.
And it does matter if its warmed up or not. Thats in about every service manual and rebuild I have ever read and been taught.
The only thing I coudl be wrong on, is the 1 kick. as I deal more with 4 strokes than 2 strokes. and perhaps its not building as like a 4 stroke does.
Not my words!
The first hit on google returned this info..
1.Screw in the compression tester in to the cylinder – always worth having adapters/convertors for your compression gauge to allow for different sized spark plugs etc…
2.Open the throttle fully, otherwise your figures will be out
3.Hit the start button or use the kickstart to turn the engine over for around 5 seconds or until the needle on the engine compression tester is at it’s maximum reading.
4.Take the reading and remember to add 5% if you did this with the engine cold.
5.Refer to your service manual for the recommended compression results
6.Typical values will be around 110 – 190 psi depending upon the engine size – generally the higher the compression your cylinder produces then the better (although too high of course will lead to blowing gaskets or cracking cylinders).
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(Warm up the engine to allow the metal parts to expand and seal properly, and make sure to hold the throttle wide open (full throttle) during the compression test.)
1. Remove all the spark plugs and ground the plug wires or disconnect the ignition coil. Many of the manufacturers have some grounded posts to attach the plug wires to, if not use a set of alligator clips from the tip (metal) of the plug to a Good ground. Try to keep the spark plugs away from the spark plug holes in the head. Examine the plugs carefully for signs of a problems.
2. Screw the compression gauge into the plug hole and grab a pen a paper to write down the values of each cylinder.
3. You'll need to hold the throttle in the wide open position (full throttle) while doing the compression test.
(Tip: On a waverunner or ATV you can ziptie or tape the throttle lever to the handlebar (at full throttle) if you are by yourself to make it easier.)
Now press in and HOLD the starter button until the needle on the compression gauge stops rising, usually 5-10 seconds and try to note how many compression strokes it took to climb to the max value. You will notice that each compression stroke made the needle jump and increased the compression reading until it peaks out, and that's the compression value for that cylinder. The faster the compression climbs to the peak the better seal you have, and you should mentally note if any of the cylinders tended to take more strokes than the others to obtain the peak compression. Tip: Worn rings and cylinder walls tend to increase the number of strokes to achieve your maximum compression reading (Compression for that cylinder).
(Tip: You must release the pressure in the compression gauge after each reading by pressing the relief valve on the gauge to reset the needle.
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How to Compression Test a 2 Stroke or 4 Stroke Dirt Bike's Engine