Couple questions for compression/leak down tests

[Steve Tinker]

patssle,
I can't help you with the leak down test as its a bit more complex than a simple compression test, but this is what I do to check compression. You can do it on your own, but its easier if there is a second person holding the accelerator open & turning over the car on the starter motor.
The test unit should lock in at the maximum indicated pressure (at least mine does) so there is no need to eyeball the max number and hope you saw correctly.

1) The engine should be at operating temperature, or at least quite warm.
2) Remove the fuel pump fuse. Remove all 6 spark plugs - this enables the engine to spin more freely on the starter motor.
3) Screw in the tester to the first cylinder spark plug hole and have helper A) put foot flat down on the accelerator & B) crank the engine for 4-5 seconds - record the max reading.
4) Repeat for all other cylinders.

Hope this helps - let us know what you find....