Engine Cylinder Compression tester

[rodsnguns]

Hello, New here so bear with me. I am looking for input on decent reliable brands of compression testers. I had a cheepie that I learned a lesson with. So I borrowed a higher end one and got better results. Just wondering what the feel is out there for people's preferences on a tester. I was looking at the OEMtools brand, mightyvac brand, OTC brand, etc , but dont know which way to go with one. I dont want to invest a bunch in one since it wont be used often but nice to have. I know I can rent/borrow one when needed but not always convenient.

 

[rust in the eye]

Nothing tricky about these. For occasional use a cheapie is fine as long as the business end will fit in your engine.

 

[zimman]

OEM is good. I think Autzone let's you borrow them and if you keep it more than 30 days you own it. I'd be more concerned about why you need one. LOL
Zim

 

[txvwnut]

OTC or Mightyvac would be my choices of what's listed.

 

[rodsnguns]

About "needing" one, yes, I can go rent/borrow one whenever I need to, and I have had 1 or 2 over the years but I mainly use them for outboard motors to determine their condition whenever I am looking to buy one. Having one on hand all the time is just more convenient than having to go 20+ miles 1 way to rent one. But I would like 1 that is somewhat dependable and accurate, unlike a very low end one I do have that refuses to read above 70 psi.

 

[Jtels85]

Second vote for OTC. We have a couple of them floating around the shop and they just work, plain and simple.

I would not hesitate to buy anything from OTC.

 

[Wrench97]

OTC for me too.

 

[joecon]

The OTC and a lot of others are made by Lang. If you want one that is better look at one for aircraft.

 

[mslim]

Lang leak down

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 30-yr old HF and it's fine; I've verified it with a Lisle, or similar. I don't think I've used it in 15 years or more. I would look at reviews and selection of adapters.

 

[OccupantRJ]

About "needing" one, yes, I can go rent/borrow one whenever I need to, and I have had 1 or 2 over the years but I mainly use them for outboard motors to determine their condition whenever I am looking to buy one. Having one on hand all the time is just more convenient than having to go 20+ miles 1 way to rent one. But I would like 1 that is somewhat dependable and accurate, unlike a very low end one I do have that refuses to read above 70 psi.

Check the hose connections. I had one once with interchangeable quick disconnect ends that leaked in use and faked me out until I got suspicious and eliminated the quick connect.

 

[Chipm]

I have a Matco one with various adapters; the latest one from HF appears to have the same doodads. If I were buying one today, I would get this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/deluxe-compression-test-kit-10-piece-64917.html

 

[four.cycle]

I am using a T47 Niehoff.
You can find them on ebay from about $25 up to about $50 bucks.

 

[Wamsutta]

OTC with the blue face and white numbers.

 

[Buster21]

I've had a Lisle for at least 40 years. Always worked when I needed it.

 

[hudstr]

Whatever you get make sure it has schrader valves in the end of the hose(s). They are more accurate for small displacement cylinders and it reaches the max pressure faster which you will be thankful for if you need to test something that is pull start only.

 

[BurtEggley]

OTC is good as others have mentioned.