Which Compression Tester Does GJ Recommend?

[HomeTheaterMan]

I tried doing a search, but everything I found was several years old.

My first thought was to shell out the dough for a Snap On, but then I thought about it a bit more and realized that my current Actron gauge is 15 years old or so and I've probably used it less than 10 times. Anyway, the last time I pulled the Actron out to use it, I was getting incredibly high numbers, such as 220 PSI on a motor with 270k miles that didn't make that when new. Something is just off with this thing and I believe I'm getting false readings.

My buddy that does this for a living recommended a Lang, and I was pretty set on that until I got on Amazon and saw that they were about 2x the price of pretty much all of the others from Lisle, OTC, etc. All of which seemed to have really good reviews on there.

So that lead me here. What do you all recommend? I want something accurate and something that I won't be replacing again anytime soon, but I also don't use it more than once every year or two, so I'm not sure that I need the best.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have the OTC one and it's been problem free, although I've only used it a handful of times.

 

[bob15]

Not sure how the newer ones are, but my Snap On tester is over 50 years old and still works fine.

 

[jjkrjh]

I didn't check the others out. But the Snap On can be used to pressurize the cylinder with air. Pull the valve out of the end and connect an air hose to it. Helps on finding valve leaks or ring issue.

Just checked the others (Lang + OTC) they do appear to have regular air hose fittings on hoses.

 

[oldwino]

OTC here. picked one up on eBay a few year ago used for $20. Love it

 

[Nineeightyone]

FWIW, the Pittsburgh ones aren't rated so well. The Maddox seem to be a bit better, mine's been alright but it's not been used frequently. I haven't explored the full capabilities though, it sounds like the air hose fitting thing might be a smart move.

 

[Kaline74]

I am piling on this thread, as I am in the same situation as @HomeTheaterMan
Based off the information in the Tool Truck Equivalents thread, MAC Tools compression tests = OTC compression testers. I have borrowed a friend's MAC Tools leakdown tester and it is a nice tool

I will most likely only use it once every couple years.

I've had good luck with Actron testers
Any thoughts on the Balkamp brand sold at NAPA?
Or a vintage Sears unit? I see a lot of those on eBay

 

[charbar]

I have a Mac that's from the mid 80s and an OTC that's probably 5ish years old? Both work just fine.

I've bought a few cheapies in a pinch when I wasn't close to the shop and needed one-they never last.

 

[McGR]

You could always upgrade the gauge part of the tester to something more accurate and trustworthy - i.e. Milton. I did this a while back on a horribly inaccurate HFT air inflator, works like a charm now.

 

[Jswain]

I was just going to recommend the same thing. It's just a Schraeder valve a hose and a gauge. As long as you're already happy with the adapters you have then change out the gauge

Probably best to go with something that is NOT liquid filled

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

My lisle is closing in on 20 years with no issues

 

[unslow1]

Before condemning the gauge I'd test it against something else. An engine with a cam timing problem could give a number that just doesn't make sense. Recently I did this with a tire gauge and the gauge was off but only by a couple of PSI.

 

[Kaline74]

You could always upgrade the gauge part of the tester to something more accurate and trustworthy - i.e. Milton. I did this a while back on a horribly inaccurate HFT air inflator, works like a charm now.

Great idea! I ended up ordering a tester directly from Actron, as they have their CP7827 on clearance for $20. Used it tonight and it works fine. In the future if the gauge flakes out, a Milton gauge will be my fix

 

[65Goat]

<>