Car accidents may happen at any time. Sometimes, it’s because of the external problems like the wheel, the door, or even the brake. But they all can be spotted. What about the ones that are not visible at first glance? Things like damaged fuel injectors or even malfunctioning sensors can lead to dangerous accidents while driving on a highway or at a higher speed. Such minute problems can cause the car engine to not work properly. But, how can one know about it before riding? Simple… with the help of car compression testers!
These compression testers are a specific type of measuring device used for automotive parts. Specifically, they are used to check the car’s engine heath. The sensors inside can easily detect the problem that helps in diagnosing. A simple test with this device can indicate where it has gone wrong and how dangerous the fault could be. So, having a car compressor tester and testing the car at least once in a month is an important objective before driving off.
Last update on 2020-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Any healthy car engine must have a compression of over 100 psi per cylinder. If there’s not more than 10 percent of the variation, the engine should be working fine. But if it is higher, it’s a critical time to diagnose the problem and sort it out. The compression test adapter is specifically designed to pick out the pressure readings. Once the hose is attached to the compression gauge, it starts out reading with steady acceleration. If there is a big deflection on the maximum and minimum reading, the car needs to be immediately checked.
10 Best Compression Testers
1. INNOVA 3612 Compression Tester
Features:
- It comes with a 15-inch rubber hose the length of this rubber hose is longer than others and helps easily to reach out. Moreover, it is oil and grease-free.
- The product comes with a simple side release valve. This valve is specifically designed to release the pressure and to start again. This makes repeated measurements possible.
- It has a durable bourdon tube meter. Because of this, the tube meter is always ready for high-pressure readings and can accurately measure them.
- Furthermore, it includes dual adaptors with 14mm and 12 mm in width. It is a great tool to have while measuring both small and heavy cars.
2. WINTOOLS Compression Tester Kit
Features:
- The WINTOOLS Compression Tester Kit comes with multiple thread kits. This allows you to measure several cars and not just one type.
- It has a 400mm flexible extension. Because of this extension, it becomes possible to find the hose perfectly if it is hidden behind the wires.
- Apart from this, you can get dual push-on connectors. These connectors are quick and easy to assemble because of the straight and angled push mechanism.
- The product has been manufactured with dual calibration. So checking the compression on a petrol engine is done fast and accurately.
3. OTC 5605 Deluxe Compression Tester Kit
Features:
- It features standard and specialty adapters. This is the reason why the gauge can accurately measure a variety of petrol engines.
- The product comes with multiple adapters that can work both on flat and tapered seat plugs. They are also corrosion resistant and can serve for a long time.
- The 25-inch flex hose is extra long. It allows you to easily view out of the cluttered engine compartments. Moreover, the hose is quick to assemble.
- You can get multiple thread plugs with the product. The kit includes a deep well connector that is specifically used to measure most automotive engine pressures.
4. BETOOLL HW0130 Compression Tester Kit
Features:
- Each of the adapters is made up of solid brass material. They are highly resistant and never wear out. You can get a measurement of m10, m12, m14, and m18.
- The BETOOLL HW0130 Compression Tester Kit has a dual scale gauge to amplify the readings. You can get a 0-20 bar along with 0-300psi performance.
- The resin watch over gauge is made up of durable materials. It is completely light in weight and has anti-scratch materials. Moreover, it has a rubber cover for a shock-absorbing performance.
- It comes with a portable case that makes it easier to carry. The rough weight is around 2 pounds which can be stored and quick to assemble.
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5. Mityvac MV5532 Digital Compression Test Kit
Features:
- When assembled, the product becomes slightly heavier than others, but it won’t be a problem to carry it. It weighs around 5 pounds.
- The product comes with variable adapters to increase efficiency. You can change the adapters quickly to get a perfect reading from the car.
- It includes all the necessary adaptors and the attachments to carry out both dry and wet tests. Moreover, the pressure readings can be saved on the device.
- The Mityvac MV5532 Digital Compression Test Kit includes a pressure release button. It has a button on the side and by pressing it; the gauge becomes ready to take the next measurement.
6. LEIMO Cylinder Leak Tester
Features:
- This test kit comes with dual gauge readings. It allows you to get readings for both the engine compression along with engine leakage.
- The package includes 480mm flex hose and dual spark adaptors. These adapters are quick to install and can measure a wide variety of light and heavy cars.
- It has a specific mechanism to check and find out the common engine faults. The readings are always accurate and will give precise error detection features.
- This device comes with a complete rubber material on the hose. Because of this material, it becomes hard to wear out and can be supporting work for a long time.
7. INNOVA 3614 Compression Tester
Features:
- It has a stainless steel casing on the rubber hose. Despite this, the hose can be flexible and is long enough with 15-inches to reach out to the exhaust.
- The side-release valve is present. With the help of this valve, it becomes easy to release the pressure on one touch and allows preparing for the next measurement.
- The product has a large dial clock. It also has proper color based indications that help to read when the engine is in critical condition or is healthy.
- It comes with a 14mm long reach adapter. This is specifically designed for the long reach spark plug applications. It always gives accurate readings after calibration.
8. PMD Products Compression Gauge Test Set
Features:
- It comes with 2 rubber cones on both ends. This feature helps to protect the hose and to accurately measure the pressure. The rubber does not wear out.
- A dual-color scale option is available. This gauge scale helps to view perfect reading with a wide range from 0-300psi and 0-2000kPa.
- Multiple adapters are present. All the adapters are designed for spark plug types and depths. This will allow measurements for multiple vehicles.
- The product comes with straight and angled fittings for better connectivity. It allows you to measure with both sides to get perfect readings.
9. Shankly Compression Tester
Features:
- It comes with 2 rubber cones on both ends. This feature helps to protect the hose and to accurately measure the pressure. The rubber does not wear out.
- A dual-color scale option is available. This gauge scale helps to view perfect reading with a wide range from 0-300psi and 0-2000kPa. A single dial measures it all.
- Multiple adapters are present. All the adapters are designed for spark plug types and depths. This will allow measurements for multiple vehicles.
- The product comes with straight and angled fittings for better connectivity. It allows you to measure with both sides to get perfect readings.
10. Actron CP7828A Professional Compression Tester
Features:
- It comes with a storage bag. Storing the spare parts and the multiple accessories with the product is never a big problem. It is quick to assemble.
- This tester comes with a long extension tube. It is around 8-10 inches long and it helps to reach out to the interior valves for detection.
- Convenient push-button side release valve. This valve has a one-touch operation and it allows repeated testing without the need to disconnect the tests.
- The product features oil and grease resistant hose. Because of this material, the hose can work accurately for long years. The brass material is solid.
Frequently Asked Question [FAQs]
How often does it need to be calibrated?
Most of the electronic measuring tools require calibration, but not all the time. Specifically when we are talking about the INNOVA 3612 or the OTC 5605! They are calibrated and are manufactured to be precise. So you can always rely on the deluxe compression and get perfect readings with these products.
Will this work on mercury 115 hp outboard?
Well, I’ll be honest about this, I had one 115hp outboard previously and I had tested it. But it’s not with the same adapters. I had to buy one from the local market and luckily it was compatible with the tester. So yes, if you get the right set of adapters, you can easily check on a mercury 115hp outboard.
Can this be used to perform exhaust back pressure tests?
If you want to check the exhaust backpressure, it’s simple-you need a bigger hose and a better adaptor. I don’t think that most of these products come with such a bigger hose. You can try to find it out in the market, but performing an exhaust back pressure test may be difficult. Most of them are designed to fit into a spark plug hole.
Can we use the correct adapter and hose as a cylinder pressurization tool?
I don’t think that the compression hose is flexible. So directly fitting it onto the air hose will not be an easy solution. For this, you need to have an adapter. If you have the right set of adapters, getting the correct readings will not be a problem. But the manufacturer will provide only one adapter. So you need to be specific about the model you are choosing.
Will this gauge handle running diesel compression in the 600 PSI range?
Oh, I wish that it could but unfortunately… no it all depends on the hose which you are using. If you have a diesel compression hose, it should work. However, asking for a reading of the 600psi range will be too much from the compression tester. Most of them come with a maximum reading option of 300 psi. They are designed to work best at their limit.
Editor’s Choice
Having the right compression tester will solve multiple internal problems with your engine. So you need to be specific about the product that you choose. Simply purchasing a random tool may not be a great example of an automotive expert. Of course, you may compensate for the budget, but it must have similar features to prepare accurate reading. Below, I have compared three products which I have picked according to my convenience and you can have a look at them. Do let us know in the comments below about which model matched your preference.
The INNOVA 3612 Compression Tester is my top pick amongst all the products featured. This device comes with a specified adaptor that can quickly identify the damaged pistons and the worn rings. It includes a wide dial face with a bourdon tube meter. Since it is dual-calibrated, the accuracy is second to none. The ranges lie from 0-300psi and 0-2100kPa.
The OTC 5605 Deluxe Compression Tester Kit is my premium pick product for you to buy. This device comes with a 25-inch flex hose gauge that is easy to assemble and quick to read. It is a complete test kit that can be great for gasoline-based engines. Moreover, you can get a reading range of 0-300psi and 0-2000kPa with the compression tester.
Nothing can match the value of the BETOOLL HW0130 Compression Tester Kit and what features you get with it. The tool kit comes with 8 individual parts that are quick to assemble and to use instantly. Having a 3-inch gauge with a color scale option is a great feature to spot the readings and the health of the engine. It includes a range of 0-300psi and 0-2000kPa.