Checking Compression Pressure

Warm up the engine to full operating temperature.
Release the fuel pressure. Refer to FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE .
Remove the ignition coil and spark plug from each cylinder. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Connect engine tachometer (not required in use of CONSULT-II).
Disconnect the fuel injector harness connector to avoid any residual fuel injection during the measurement.
Install the compression tester with the adapter into the spark plug hole.

Fig 1: Placing Compression Tester Into Spark Plug Hole
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Use compression gauge whose picking up end inserted to spark plug hole is smaller than 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter. Otherwise, it may be caught by cylinder head during removal.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Compressor Tester Rubber Portion Dimensions
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
With the accelerator pedal fully depressed, turn the ignition switch to the "START" position to crank over the engine. When the gauge pointer stabilizes, read the compression pressure and engine RPM. Perform these steps to check each cylinder.

Fig 3: Compression Test Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: Always use a fully charged battery to obtain specified engine cranking speed.

If the engine speed is out of specified RPM range, check the battery. Check engine speed again with a fully charged battery.
If compression pressure is below minimum value, check valve clearances and parts associated with combustion chamber (valve, valve seat, piston, piston ring, cylinder bore, cylinder head, cylinder head gasket). After the checking, measure compression pressure again.
If some cylinders have low compression pressure, pour small amount of engine oil into the spark plug hole of the cylinder to re-check it for compression.
- If the added engine oil improves the compression, the piston rings may be worn or damaged. Check the piston rings and replace if necessary.
- If the compression pressure remains at low level despite the addition of engine oil, the valves may be malfunctioning. Check the valves for damage. Replace the valve or valve seat accordingly.
  - If two adjacent cylinders have respectively low compression pressure and their compression remains low even after the addition of engine oil, the head gasket is leaking. In such a case, replace the cylinder head gasket.
Install spark plug, ignition coil and harness connectors.