Cylinder Compression Pressure Leakage
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunctions.
NOTE:
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the engine starter motor is in good operating condition. Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
- Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed air.
- Remove the spark plugs and record the cylinder number of each spark plug for future reference.
- Inspect the spark plug electrodes for abnormal firing indicators such as fouled, hot, oily, etc.
- Disable the fuel system and perform the fuel system pressure release procedure. Refer to Fuel System/Fuel Delivery - Standard Procedure .
- Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate the engine with the engine starter motor for three revolutions.
- Record the compression pressure on the 3rd revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cylinders.NOTE: The recommended compression pressures are to be used only as a guide to diagnosing engine problems. An engine should not be disassembled to determine the cause of low compression unless some malfunction is present.
- Compression should not be less than 689 kPa (100 psi) and not vary more than 25 percent from cylinder to cylinder.
- If one or more cylinders have abnormally low compression pressures, repeat the compression test.NOTE: If the same cylinder or cylinders repeat an abnormally low reading on the second compression test, it could indicate the existence of a problem in the cylinder in question.
- If one or more cylinders continue to have abnormally low compression pressures, perform the cylinder combustion pressure leakage test. See CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE.