Leak Down tester recomendations

[nbpt100]

I want a leak down tester to use mostly on small engines. I don't want to spend a lot of money but I want something I can trust. I was thinking of making one after buying an inexpensive compression tester and use the spark plug fittings and hose with quick disconnects as needed. I read some of the HF compression tester reviews and was horrified. Hoses not crimped on to end fittings, gauges POS, fittings not threaded correctly, etc.

Not even sure If I should trust their Maddox leak down tester now??? It is priced in the same ball park as the OEM.

Now I am thinking of getting the OEM or similar.

Anyone with 1st hand experience care to comment on what they have and like or do not like? Good or bad. Just want to know the truth. Thanks.

 

[619DioFan]

I bought the otc brand. seems to be a good quality tool although I don't use it that often as a DIYer. bought off amazon.

 

[PoorUB]

I bought a HF leak down tester a few years ago. I used it a few times, replaced the guages with ones I had, tried it again, then tossed it in the trash! It wouldn't give constant readings on the same cylinder twice in row.

 

[oldwino]

Another vote for the OTC. Solid tool at a reasonable price

 

[ckeboss]

I have the Lang, many people rebranded it, including Snap-on.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The OTC one is like what, $50ish?

 

[nbpt100]

The OTC one is like what, $50ish?

$80ish now.

I saw this on Jeggs. Has only a few reviews but relatively positive.

JEGS 80520: Dual Gauge Leak Down Tester - JEGS

Order a leak down tester online from JEGS High Performance. The JEGS automotive leak down tester includes an adjustable air regulator, two pressure gauges, an air chuck, and a hose attachment. Our dual gauge leak down tester helps you find power-robbing leaks. Purchase your new leak down tester...

www.jegs.com

 

[AldeanFan]

Sorry to bring this thread back.
I’m looking for a leak down tester also.
Anyone have the Performance Tool one? It’s about half the cost of the otc kit on Amazon.ca

 

[nbpt100]

For what it is worth I ended up with the HF Maddox. I have only used it about 4 or 5 times but it seems to work ok. Overall quality seems decent. The front panel is just sheet metal but the gauges and hoses seem like decent quality. Comes in a hard plastic case.

There is no shame in bringing up an old thread if it is information you are seeking. IMHO.

Cylinder Leak-Down Tester

Amazing deals on this Cylinder Leak-Down Tester at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[cgrutt]

I recently bought the Maddox too. Worked fine for what I needed it for. Wasn't too concerned about absolute accuracy only needed to know that each of the cylinders in a salvage yard motor had similar results. The Maddox seems to be accurate though and was good value for DIYer.

 

[nbpt100]

Thanks for that vote of concurrence cgrutt. It is always good to get other feedback.

I will add the one listed above from Jeggs has only one 14mm fitting. I know they marked the price down but after you factor in the shipping it does not seem any better. Jeggs also listed another brand, Proform, in about the same price range. Again only one 14mm fitting. Maybe that is all you will every use it on but it is good to have the other common fittings. I also like the style that gives the actual pressure reading on the second gauge. Not just a color reading with a pass or fail type of feedback. I like to calculate the % loss myself. If gives more info. Sometimes you do not want to go all the way to 100 PSI on the input, for any number of reasons.

 

[oldwino]

Another OTC fanboy here. Bought on ebay (slighty used) for around $50. Used a dozen times so far

 

[mslim]

Get the Lang. USA

 

[charbar]

I've had a Napa branded one for years and haven't had a single issue with it. Not sure who actually makes it though. I don't think it was all that expensive either.

 

[AldeanFan]

Very helpful! Thanks

 

[nbpt100]

I've had a Napa branded one for years and haven't had a single issue with it. Not sure who actually makes it though. I don't think it was all that expensive either.

I think the NAPA one is made by Lang or who ever makes it for Lang.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SERCLT2

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have an OTC and it works, comes with a few adapters, one on the hose and 3 extra I believe. With small engines, IMO, you can almost just use it with bum gauges. Everything is easily accessible relative to a automotive engine and thus is easier to check. Fill the cylinder, ear to the carb, ear to the muffler, ear to the oil cap.

The maddox unit from HF looks quite similar to my OTC.

 

[nbpt100]

I have an OTC and it works, comes with a few adapters, one on the hose and 3 extra I believe. With small engines, IMO, you can almost just use it with bum gauges. Everything is easily accessible relative to a automotive engine and thus is easier to check. Fill the cylinder, ear to the carb, ear to the muffler, ear to the oil cap.

The maddox unit from HF looks quite similar to my OTC.

I use mind all on small engines and it is good to have a % number. People like to hear a number.

I was going to say the same thing about their appearance. Except for the way the gauge sits in the case it looks like they may be identical.