I have a 04 civic and I want to do a compression test to see what the rings look like. The problem is the plugs are way down in the engine and I need an extension bar to get them out. I’m worried about the adapter getting stuck in spark plug holes.
any recommendations on tools or ways to go about it so I don’t have to deal with that?
it’s got almost 200k on it so I just want to know the engine health to see if I want to replace other parts or just run it into the ground.
also would you guys trust harbor freight brands or another type?
thanks!
You can purchase a sparkplug extension socket which is a long extension with a permanent swivel sparkplug socket attached. Nope Harbor does not have them but your autozone or local parts may.. amazon has one - a set for $54, But check locally as you don't need the set. Check eBAY as well.
OK. Why? Instead of doing that compression test, why not do a relative compression test?
It's so much easier.
What you really want to know is if you have any cylinders that are leaking compression.
You want to know if any cylinders are below a certain percentage of PSI in relation to your other cylinders.
Scotty did a video on doing relative compression tests.
Might be a consideration.
Procedure starts at 3:20 in the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLOpo71JtIU
Love Scotty
Since you are gambling the future of your car on this compression test shouldn't you have someone do it that is more experienced to give accurate results?
The reasons you give for the test will decide to replace now, or replace later. Why not drive it until you can't and replace it, without a test? Aren't you going to the same conclusion either way? The current choices are to maintain fluid levels and know it might not drive like a new vehicle. Use test money to buy oil.
