Leakdown Tester, Harbor Freight

[roaniecowpony]

I bought this leakdown tester from Harbor Fright. Wasn't too sure about the quality at first. But I disassembled it and verified it has the industry standard .040" orifice (also the FAA required size for testing airplanes). It was easy to use and the gauges seem to be decent quality. This same device is sold under the OTC Tools brand for about 60% more. I'd recommend this tool. It's much more informative than a simple compression test gauge. Fits 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 18mm spark plug threads.

If you're not familiar with this type of tester, it's been used in the aircraft industry since before WW2 and the racing industry for decades as well. It has more recently caught on with everyday professional street car mechanics and this type of device is specified in the Tech Authority Service Manual for "cylinder leakage test" of the Jeep JL.

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[roaniecowpony]

I used this to confirm my engine doesn't have a blown head gasket or cracked head. It requires more work than a common compression tester, but will give you more information. It requires that you identify the TDC for each cylinder and test with it at that position. This requires that you use a piston stop and mark the crank pulley, etc..

 

[azwjowner]

This is one of those tools that I'd like to become familiar with using but then I realize I really hope I never have to think about using one.

 

[ELJL]

Ill attest to some harbor freight items. Most quality issues are readily obvious (poor finish, poor machining, rough extrusion/casting, etc etc)

Nevertheless, their 9mil nitrile gloves are excellent! ?

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