how to check engine compression on stand

[camaney]

hi. is there a way to check the compression on the engine stand? sorry im trying to get a (he says)running engine but I want to check the compression, dont have the money for a rebuild and frankly I dont think that my truck is worth that much so I just wanna make it a runner to sell it for a little more. the engine is only $200 from a friend

[Longhorn Man]

hook up a batterry and a remote starter switch, pull all the sparkplugs, block the throttle all the way open, and start checking it one hole at a time.

[JMac11]

Could do a leak down test, basically you turn to top dead center, pump air in the cylinder and watch for pressure loss. Most compression testers can be adapted I am sure that Harbor has a leak down tester cheap. less hassle than spinning a enging over on a stand.... my 2 cent.

[68gmsee]

If you just want to make sure it has some compression both methods mentioned above will work.

The leak down test is good for testing valves, bad rings and maybe a really bad head gasket leak but for your purpose, the method LHM mentioned is better. I've done that on a few engines.

[camaney]

well thanks everyone the engine turn out good on one cylinder head but the other side was in the low 90s so Im back to hunting for another engine