compression tester recommendations

[nmurph]

i have a saw or two (some of you know what i mean) that i would like to check the compression. can someone give me a specific name and model of a gauge that they have used? i read that automotive type testers tend to not be as accurate. i assume that they have longer hoses and that will give a lower reading that what is actually going on inside. i have looked at amazon and the ones that i see have hoses that look to be at least 8-10in. i was searching for one that might have a two or three in stub or possibly one that has several different lengths of hose.
also, what dia should the adapter be? are spark plugs universal, especially on old saws?

 

[stihl only]

I have a KAL. Made in USA, and it has the schrader valve where it needs to be.

 

[skid row]

I have a KAL. Made in USA, and it has the schrader valve where it needs to be.

I got a KAL 2504. Probably the same as yours.

 

[Evanrude]

I've got a Lisle #25250. Oh, and also made in USA.

 

[edisto]

I don't think the hose length matters as much as the position of the Schraeder valve. It should be on the tip, not on the guage.

I looked up the KAL 2504, and it didn't look like the Schraeder was on the tip?

 

[blsnelling]

I've got a Lisle #25250. Oh, and also made in USA.

I have that one and it reads 10-15 lbs low when compared to my compressor guages. The one I have from AutoZone actually does a better job.

 

[stihl only]

I don't think the hose length matters as much as the position of the Schraeder valve. It should be on the tip, not on the guage.

I looked up the KAL 2504, and it didn't look like the Schraeder was on the tip?

Trust me, it's on the tip

 

[046]

Snap-on for me... all sorts of adapters to fit all types of plugs.
shraeder valves are a must!

 

[nmurph]

I have that one and it reads 10-15 lbs low when compared to my compressor guages. The one I have from AutoZone actually does a better job.

so you are happy with this one??

http://www.autozone.com/R,2133164/store,1049/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

 

[blsnelling]

so you are happy with this one??

http://www.autozone.com/R,2133164/store,1049/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

I think that's it. I also pumps up faster than the Lisle does.

 

[nmurph]

I think that's it. I also pumps up faster than the Lisle does.

well, you just cleared up something that i was having a hard time understanding and was at the root of my question about the length of tube; the compression gauge acts as sort of a tank to hold the compression of each stroke until the piston can't pump any more.......

 

[litefoot]

I have that one and it reads 10-15 lbs low when compared to my compressor guages. The one I have from AutoZone actually does a better job.

How do you really know which one is right? My Lisle shows 175 psi on a old stock 034. I'm pretty sure that's not 10-15 psi low. I'm just sayin'.

 

[blsnelling]

I hit it with the air from my compressor. The compressor and the pressure reulator both have guages that agree with each other.

 

[046]

calibration is always an issue for any test instrument.

when in doubt, what I do is calibrate with a German made Drager gauge that I've had 15+ years.

but then again.. I'm a calibration nut... with Snap-on torque calibration tool, gauge blocks, Martel electronics calibration tool, etc. etc.

 

[stihl only]

The KALibration that I made, was that the KAL, wasn't made in CHINA!

 

[leeha]

My theory is, You get what you pay for.

Snap On for me with all the hose's for all
the different plug sizes.


Lee

 

[PB]

I have great luck with this one. Made in the US too.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...uipment&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

 

[blsnelling]

I have great luck with this one. Made in the US too.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...uipment&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

I believe that may be the same one as from AutoZone.

 

[PB]

I believe that may be the same one as from AutoZone.

Could be, but this one didn't come with the fancy case. I do remember the thread that you had about the Lisle tester. I think we have the same one.

 

[stihl only]

My theory is, You get what you pay for.

Snap On for me with all the hose's for all
the different plug sizes.


Lee

Still have to be sure of the valve location. I have a Matco one that wasn't cheap, but is useless for small engines because the valve is located at the quick coupler where the lower hose joins the upper hose.