[KirbyJ]

Went to Northern Tool yesterday and became the proud owner of a $69.00 Diesel Compression tester. Reread different posts about how to do this job. Opened the hood and started turning wrenches. Testing through the glow plug.
Cylinder #1 Cold motor, dry, 300lbs pressure. Not so bad, I thought.
Cylinder # 2, CM,D, 200lbs, WHAT?
Cylinder # 3 Injection pump is in the way, so I use the 90 angle adapter. It breaks IN MY HAND.
Cylinders 3,4,and 5 cannot be tested through the glow plug port without the 90

I don't have spare heat shields on hand for the injectors, so did not want to test through the injector port. I am totally hacked about new tools breaking in my hand. I am extremely concerned about the low reading on #2 .
Advice???

235K miles. New valve stem seals and valve adj 1000 miles ago. Car starts easily when cold, less so when hot. Blows very little smoke, does have noticeable blow-by, oil cap dances but stays on the valve cover. Leaks significant oil through the wastegate . Loses oil from the rear main seal.

 

[maboyce]

I use the OTC diesel compression tester with success - it has the 90 degree adapter we need. Sounds like the NT tester might need to be warrantied. The OTC tool is even slightly cheaper.

I would recommend testing the compression hot if possible - on my SL I got very divergent numbers when cold which, when I tested again after warming up, were spot on.

If things are still not right, a leakdown tester will be the best thing to guide your next steps. I have OTC's version of that, too, and as I recall the adapters are compatible between the two testers.

 

[maboyce]

It's not at all unlikely your engine is basically worn out - my car had a rebuild at 157,000 miles because the compression had gone out of specification.

 

[300Dman]

The 90 degree connector for use on the Glow Plug Adapters on the Harbor Freight Compression Teter is also noted for breaking. That makes me think they may have been made by the same Company.

When I got My Volvo Diesel I rebuilt the Injectors.

I did not know the Heat Shields needed to be changed till I had an accident and dropped a screwdriver into the timing belt.

The new Head Gasket kit came with new heat sheids.

The point is I drove the Volvo for 1.5 years on the old heat Shields with no issues.
I am not saying the Heat Shields should not be replaced but you can drive your Car till you get the Heat Shields.

About 6 Months ago I did a compression Check on mine and found I have one Cylinder 50 psi less then the rest. Also that same cylinder nails longer then the rest till the Engine warms.

I am hoping it is sticking Piston Rings and have tried full Synthetic Oil to try to free the Rings up. However, I need to go on a several Hour trip on the Freeway to help that along and I have not done that.

 

[300Dman]

I fogot to say that the Fittngs on the Harbor Freight Adapters do not fit My US made Diesel Compression Gauge. The OD is slighly too large on the Fittings.
However, visually the Fittings look the same.