308 Compression test? | FerrariChat
Buy

308 Compression test?

Discussion in '308/328' started by SlickMurphy, Feb 18, 2005.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. SlickMurphy

    SlickMurphy Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2004
    275
    Essex
    Full Name:
    David
    #1 SlickMurphy, Feb 18, 2005
    I am having a PPI done on a 308 next week and I have a few questions. I am getting conflicting reports from many Fcar mechanics as to whether or not a compression test and leak down is really neccessary. They claim that they can gauge compression by exhaust smoke, oil in exhaust, engine sound, engine smoothness and general driving characteristics. Most mechanics want between 2-4 hours JUST for the compression test. And if the compression is good, is a leakdown still needed?

    Anyway, I am having a compression test done regardless of what I am told!

    thanks,
    David
     
  2. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 4, 2004
    45,721
    Texas
    Full Name:
    David
    #2 LightGuy, Feb 18, 2005
    A compression test should tell you if there is a problem, a leak down would pinpoint what the problem would be. I havent met the mechanic yet that could tell me that one of the cylinders is 20% down using a calibrated seat of the pants.I also pull each plug wire one at a time,as the engine is running and listen for a stumble, all should sound the same. This also detects ignition and fuel supply problems at each cylinder.
     
  3. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    #3 pma1010, Feb 19, 2005
    If a mechanic tells you he can tell engine condition by looking at/driving the car, go elsewhere. Spend the money on a leakdown. It should run $200 - 300 and will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine.
    Remember, a rebuild or a rebuilt engine is going to cost $10 - 15K. A couple of PPIs is cheap insurance.
    Philip
     
  4. geekstreet

    geekstreet Karting

    Feb 7, 2005
    220
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Cam
    #4 geekstreet, Feb 19, 2005
    Check before getting it done whether it will be done cold or hot (esp the leak-down testing). I've seen much discussion on this, & I think the majority seem to think that it should be done close to operating temp. As the idea is to compare the numbers to some "standard" or reference, it's important to compare the same variety of fruit, so to speak.

    Seek more advice is my advice!
     
  5. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    #5 pma1010, Feb 19, 2005
    From memory, 185 degrees water temp is the reference point. Warm, not hot.
    P
     
  6. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,465
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    #6 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Feb 19, 2005
    Ask them if they can tell you how fast a car is going just by listening to how loud the engine is too
     
  7. Chiaroman

    Chiaroman Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 21, 2004
    1,687
    New Jersey
    #7 Chiaroman, Feb 22, 2005
    Have every possible test done NOW!

    You will only pay MORE later!!!!

    I know it is easy to fall in love with the car as is and you want to BELIEVE in the car and make it into something it isn't.

    Take a few steps back and listen to me and all the others here.

    Please...I speak from experience and I want you to learn from my mistakes.

    (It's cheaper that way!!!)
     

Share This Page