Looking for a compression tester

[czgunner]

What do you guys recommend for a top notch tool?
The Snapon is $200, made in Mexico, and I can't see any warranty info on it.
I'm training as a tech, and need a good one that will last a long time.
Ditto for a leakdown tester.
Thanks!

 

[scott37300]

The snap on compression tester has a one year warranty, and when you click on the gauge it goes from 199 to 216 bucks.

I have an older snap on compression that the gauge went bad on, ordered a new gauge from snap on for 26 bucks or so and it's like new again. The mityvac gauge seems to get pretty good reviews also.

 

[strelnik]

What do you guys recommend for a top notch tool?
The Snapon is $200, made in Mexico, and I can't see any warranty info on it.
I'm training as a tech, and need a good one that will last a long time.
Ditto for a leakdown tester.
Thanks!

Stewart Warner makes a good one, hard to find.

In Germany, MoTometer makes one that prints out the readings for you.

I am assuming you want gas because diesel costs more and operates with a variety of fittings.

 

[chadster1]

Mityvac makes some good compression testors.

 

[Danglerb]

Never had an issue with my HF $15 compression tester, and I would just add a compression tester has little need for any accuracy, just repeatability, and its freaking little more than a tire gauge with a different fitting and range on the gauge.

If you really feel the need to spend some money, splurge and get both the HF compression and leakdown tester for about $35 total, or maybe a Longacre?

 

[Alaric.H]

I have this one and it will test many kinds of engines.

http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwarehouse/ATD-5638.html

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Try Star testers. American made and they are the OEM for Matco (I think) and can be bought for not a lot of money. I have one similar to this one from tooltopia:

http://www.tooltopia.com/star-tu30a.aspx

It will also test late model Ford modular engines.

 

[Sh1thead]

i just bought the matco versions with my student discount. The compression set is nice and seems durable but the leakdown tester feels a bit cheap but so far both have been easy to use and accurate the handful of times i've used them so far

 

[JayL]

If I didn't have one yet I'd go with the Star. I have the older version Snap On set.

 

[rockchucker]

Sunpro CP7827 - Sunpro Compression Tester


http://www.jegs.com/i/Sunpro/885/CP7827/10002/-1


I have this one. Not sure where it was made. I bought it over 16 years ago. Never have had to replace the O-Rings. Lube them up every time I use it with Synthetic Silicone Grease. 16 Years and over 250 vehicles easily. Still works like a charm. You can plug it right onto your Hose End for calibration checks in a snap. Pressure Relief Valve and removable Hose for easy installation and removal. The Hose Accepts your Air Hose Fitting for easy Leak Down Tests. Great Tester.

You can even use the Hose to feed the Cylinder pressure to keep the Valves closed while replacing Valve Stem Seals without removing the Head. Pressurize the Cylinder. Remove the Valve Spring and Keepers. Pull off the Valve Seal. Replace with a new oiled up one. Replace the Valve Spring and Keepers. Very easy Valve Stem Seal replacement.

 

[back2class]

I have an Actron. Like $20 and works fine. As another person mentioned, it is a very basic pressure gauge on a rubber hose. It is not a precision instrument where 1lb. off in accuracy makes any difference. Mine is a pretty basic setup, but should cover pretty much any compression testing needs.

 

[mrholeshot]

Sears Craftsman has a nice set for 59 dollars. It works as well as my 20 year old Mac set and has adapters for about anything. MightyVac build a nice one but hate the digital gauge. The Craftsman still the best bang for the buck. Mine was built in the USA but it's 6 years old

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947089000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[sjt78]

Sears Craftsman has a nice set for 59 dollars. It works as well as my 20 year old Mac set and has adapters for about anything. MightyVac build a nice one but hate the digital gauge. The Craftsman still the best bang for the buck. Mine was built in the USA but it's 6 years old

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947089000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Yes those are made in Taiwan now. I know because I have one. Not a bad set and Taiwan is better than China to me.

 

[mrholeshot]

Yes those are made in Taiwan now. I know because I have one. Not a bad set and Taiwan is better than China to me.

Yeah it's still a great set. The Taiwan looks exactly like the US model.

 

[jeffk14]

Sears Craftsman has a nice set for 59 dollars. It works as well as my 20 year old Mac set and has adapters for about anything. MightyVac build a nice one but hate the digital gauge. The Craftsman still the best bang for the buck. Mine was built in the USA but it's 6 years old

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947089000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I'm pretty sure that Sears model is a rebranded MityVac 5530. A little google-foo shows the pics to be nearly identical.

 

[pipsters]

I have an Actron. Like $20 and works fine. As another person mentioned, it is a very basic pressure gauge on a rubber hose. It is not a precision instrument where 1lb. off in accuracy makes any difference. Mine is a pretty basic setup, but should cover pretty much any compression testing needs.

I have the same one, only used it on my Volvo and VW but it seems to do the job nicely. It feels like quality too. I bought mine from Autozone but I'm sure there are cheaper places to do it. HF would probably be fine too. I want a leakdown tester as well.

 

[JASTECH]

My set is a KD-Tools I bought at APC in San Diego in the 80's. It's made in U.S.A. but I don't know if rebadged. It does look just like the Matco set posted though.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[czgunner]

I have ordered a MityVac compression tester set.
Still looking for a leakdown kit....

 

[czgunner]

Any thoughts on the OTC 5609?

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i have the snap-on set. it works good but for the money there are others with a lot more adapters and work just as well.

 

[tex_downey]

I have a HF one. worked ok for a time but then i hade to keep replacing the tire valves in the end. and then the pressure release valve started to fail so it would not hold the pressure. im sure these could be cleaned and got back to working but i dont want to put a lot of time in to one. i'm looking at a OTC one. just as i have a lot of OTC test items.

 

[sjdon67]

Yeah it's still a great set. The Taiwan looks exactly like the US model.

I was going to go and pick one up. Good thing I read this first. Why pay good money for stuff mad in Taiwan or Chinaland?

 

[trout]

Anyone recommend a set that'll come with adapters for older American cars?

Preferably made in USA. TIA

 

[1984Datsun]

I have an older Matco compression tester... only problem with it is that it will not show more than 90 psi. I tested a very good running engine and every time, it reads 90 psi.

Where would I find one of those replacement special pressure release valves? (looks like a tire valve core)

And would that fix the tester?

 

[MechMyk]

Waaaayyyy late to the discussion but even though they may not be precision instruments but they need to hold up. My last few just stopped working. And yes if I'm buying an instrument for measuring anything I want it to be as accurate as possible. So IMHO I think 1 lb. +/- is important.