Compression Test

[89montero 10+ year member]

About how much would it cost to have a shop do a compression test? It's a V6 with no obstacles blocking the plugs.

I'm pretty sure my head gasket's blown bu I don't have the compression tool.

Click to read more...

 

[bbka 10+ year member]

Go to sears and buy a compression tester and do it yourself, it's really easy.

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/comptest/comptest.php

Although if your worried about a headgasket you will want to do a leak down test.

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/leakdown/leakdown.php

I would just look for basic symptoms though like taking the radiator cap off your car and watch for bubbles. Also if your car overheats after driving it and your overflow tank is filling up that is another sign of blown head gasket.

That article said it's about $60 for the actual leak down test tool, so it shouldn't be that much to have a shop check it out for ya. It's going to cost and arm and a leg to have the shop replace the head gasket though (at least $500 with labor). I did it on my car myself and also the water pump while I was at it and it ws pretty easy.

 

[89montero 10+ year member]

thanks, I'm going to be doing any repairs myself. I'm experienced with this stuff but I don't have a compression or leak down test tool so I figured I let a shop do it.

 

[Ferendon 10+ year member]

It would be cheaper, MUCH cheaper, to buy both tools, and DIY, than to pay a shop to do just one test.