91GranSport Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 How do you use a compression tester? From what I understand you remove one spark plug and thread the compression tester into the spark plug hole. Then you start your car. Obviously you only do this one cylinder at a time. However, do you leave the car running do you simply start it up long enough to complete one cycle then shut it off? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NitroDave Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 That's basically it, BUT make sure you unhook the ignition system so the car doesn't actually start (Just pull the ignition fuse). Pull one plug at a time, screw in the compression tester, and then crank the car about 5 or six times. Get out and read the gauge, relieve the pressure off the gauge then remove it. Then put the spark plug back in and go to the next. That's how I've always done it......It may not be the 100 percent correct way, but it seems to work for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slade901 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 I'd recommend using a remote starter switch ($10-$15). That way you will be in front of the car and watch the needle fluctuation and not just the end of the needle movement after you finish cranking but the whole activity of the needle from start to finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91GranSport Posted June 8, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Thanks for the help guys, that's great! By the way, where the hell is the ignition fuse? I've been looking for it! Is it in the engine bay or in the glove compartment? I have a '91 Regal GS sedan where the fuses can be located either in the glove compartment or under the hood on the passenger-side. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rglguy Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 my friend, its in the engine compartment, you can also take out the fuel pump relay, located near the batery, monted on the strut tower, says fuel pumpo relay on the lid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91GranSport Posted June 8, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Damn, if I knew here the fuel pump relay was it would've been easier for me when I changed my fuel filter two years back! Thanks again for the help guys! my friend, its in the engine compartment, you can also take out the fuel pump relay, located near the batery, monted on the strut tower, says fuel pumpo relay on the lid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Damn, if I knew here the fuel pump relay was it would've been easier for me when I changed my fuel filter two years back! Thanks again for the help guys! That won't help you. Just pull the ECM fuse INSIDE the glovebox. That controls ignition power to the ECM and will NOT erase the ECM. If you pull the fuel pump relay, the car will still start provided you have sufficient oil pressure. The fuel pump relay is just a backup to the fuel pump switch inside the oil pressure sensor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukee1982 Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 how would you go about checking the compression on a 96 3.4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slade901 Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 I would assume the "compression tester for gasoline engine" are the same for all gasoline engines and would not work on a diesel engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91GranSport Posted June 10, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 Same method as mentioned above. how would you go about checking the compression on a 96 3.4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91GranSport Posted June 10, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 No, because diesel engines run at around 20.5:1 compression and they don't use spark plugs to ignite the fuel. The compression itself builds until the fuel is ignited due to the extreme force being put on it. I would assume the "compression tester for gasoline engine" are the same for all gasoline engines and would not work on a diesel engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS91Z34 Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 make sure you open the throttle all the way when you do the test. Otherwise you will get a low reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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