Cylinder Leakage Test
Special Tools
- EN-35667-A Cylinder Head Leakdown Tester
- EN-39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
NOTE:
A leakage test may be performed in order to measure cylinder/combustion chamber leakage. High cylinder leakage may indicate one or more of the following:
- Worn or burnt valves
- Broken valve springs
- Stuck valve lifters
- Incorrect valve lash/adjustment
- Damaged piston
- Worn piston rings
- Worn or scored cylinder bore
- Damaged cylinder head gasket
- Cracked or damaged cylinder head
- Cracked or damaged engine block
- Disconnect the battery ground negative cable.
- Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement (LFX)Spark Plug Replacement (LF3) .
- Rotate the crankshaft to place the piston in the cylinder being tested at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke.
- Thread the EN-39313 adapter into the spark plug hole.
- Install the EN-35667-A tester or equivalent.
- Apply shop air pressure to the EN-35667-A tester and adjust according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Record the cylinder leakage value. Cylinder leakage that exceeds 25 percent is considered excessive and may require component service. In excessive leakage situations, inspect for the following conditions:
- Air leakage sounds at the throttle body or air inlet hose that may indicate a worn or burnt intake valve or a broken valve spring
- Air leakage sounds at the exhaust system tailpipe that may indicate a worn or burnt exhaust valve or a broken valve spring
- Air leakage sounds from the crankcase, oil level indicator tube, or oil fill tube that may indicate worn piston rings, a damaged piston, a worn or scored cylinder bore, a damaged engine block or a damaged cylinder head
- Air bubbles in the cooling system may indicate a damaged cylinder head or a damaged cylinder head gasket.
- Perform the leakage test on the remaining cylinders and record the values.
WARNING:
Refer to Battery Disconnect Warning .
CAUTION:
Only turn the engine in a CLOCKWISE direction as viewed from the crankshaft balancer. Counterclockwise rotation may result in the timing chain jumping a tooth, causing poor running, DTCs, or severe engine damage.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to hold the crankshaft balancer bolt to prevent the engine from rotating.