• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

how do I do a compression test?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rculjak
  • Start date Start date May 13, 2004
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
May 13, 2004
#1
  • May 13, 2004
  • #1
Hey guys, I was just wondering what the proper procedure was for a compression test, do all the plugs have to be out, the engine cant start so I am trying to see if I have good compression.
 

88stangmangt

Active Member
Nov 25, 2003
2,332
1
48
Stafford,VA
May 13, 2004
#2
  • May 13, 2004
  • #2
do it plug by-plug and she will tell you all you need to know.
 
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
May 13, 2004
#3
  • May 13, 2004
  • #3
do I leave the 7 plugs in and do the one cylinder, then put the plug back in and do the other cylinder always leaving the heads sealed?
 
W

wisconsinboy

New Member
Feb 23, 2004
78
0
0
eau claire wisconsin
May 13, 2004
#4
  • May 13, 2004
  • #4
yah usually you just go 1 by 1 all the way around and check for variences in the readings. i think you should ideally have it within 5% but i think goin up to even 10% isnt bad if its not in concurrent cylinders which would reveal you ahve a sealing problem somewhere in that area.
 
W

wisconsinboy

New Member
Feb 23, 2004
78
0
0
eau claire wisconsin
May 13, 2004
#5
  • May 13, 2004
  • #5
if you understand what im saying cause thats kinda confusing to me even.
 

hllon4whls

BANNED
Founding Member
Jan 17, 2002
2,567
0
46
Covington
May 13, 2004
#6
  • May 13, 2004
  • #6
Take all plugs out. Srcrew compression testor in. Open throttle. Crank until needle stops climbing (or 3-4 revolutions). Record all cylinders. Find out if highest cylinder is with 10-15% of lowest cylinder. If it is you are good. If not, retest with some oil in the cylinder (about 1 teaspoon woth) if compression goes way up, then rings, if not possible head gasket or valve problem.

I assume you have trouble that you want to isolate?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Engine Why won't the motor start if I have spark and fuel
  • LeviAnderson
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
365
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
A
1987 5.0 speed density Foxbody crank no start
  • Alan2204
  • May 23, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
121
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 30, 2026
Mcmahst
D
Engine Questions on compression test results
  • dqureshi06
  • Jan 6, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
382
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 7, 2025
Noobz347
M
Misfire
  • Mike3
  • May 30, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
50
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 30, 2026
Mike3
M
J
'04 3.8L V6 mineral deposits and oil on #3 cylinder. Does it need a rebuild or something simpler?
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 18, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
188
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Mar 18, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?