how to check engine cylinder compression and leak down

In this video I demonstrate how to make and use a compression tester on your engine cylinder . I also show how to use the same compression gauge to do a leak down test. the simple test will tell you not only the compression, but can help diagnose where the issue is if compression is low.
Ichiban Moto links:
New Ichiban Moto Facebook Page:
/ ichiban-moto-523158707...
Twitter:
@IchibanMoto1
Instagram:
/ ichibanmoto
tee shirts and swag:
teespring.com/...
Send me mail! - whenever there is enough stuff in the mail bag to put together a subscriber mail reading and shout-out, I will put up a video for you guys! Thanks to those of you who already sent me letters and gifts !
Send me stuff to use in videos !
Yes- I actually do send stickers out to those who contribute bits, parts, stuff for my projects and pretty much everyone who I talk about or thank in my videos. If you want to send me bike stuff, things for potential use in videos or tools to review etc. (or even just cash donations ! )
mail them to me:
Ichiban Moto
PO Box 1362
Highland Park, IL 60035
USA
Yes- you can just buy Ichiban Moto stickers - they are on ebay !

[@tullebanditt]

Looks too easy when professionals like Ichi does it. At one point I thought it was fake, but I soon realised that this is craftsmanship at a whole new level! - Bad ass!

[@jaredj631]

tullebanditt he's also and artists art guy! -bad ass

[@tullebanditt]

Jared Jeanotte some even says he is a wizard!

[@TimKreitzAdventures]

I keep stumbling upon your videos and have come to the conclusion that this channel is awesome.

[@IchibanMoto]

and you are badass awesome for watching and sharing :D

[@9mmtotheMellon]

That is indeed badass, for years I've been using a tube and a balloon....... I've said it before and I'll say it again.......... you sir are a genius....

[@16VGTIDave]

Another great video, learned lots as usual! Just a tip for viewers with newer bikes - be sure to hold onto the spark plug wires when cranking the engine so they don't short out and damage the black box. The black boxes are expensive and sometimes hard to find, so be careful with them.

[@techmaven5900]

That KZ1000/5 is early production...The 5th cylinder kept falling off, so they enlarged the remaining four and history was made.

[@davestrain9529]

Incorrect. 5 Cyl NEVER made it To Homologation for racing..therefore WE in the USA never got that model. There was a Service Bulletin.. so Some countries KZ 1000 still have the Fifth cylinder , But its 2 stroke ( to Provide " help" to the other 4 4T pistons on compression. They still have it in Finland.

[@theravedaddy]

Allen Millyard solved that problem by adding a 6th cylinder to balance the oscilating vibrations.

[@Intenso6326]

Who needs a 5 or 6cyl. Guys , V1 is the best!

[@MrTurdfergusen]

This is awesome, love your videos, however, I am saddened by the people in the comments that obviously don't get the humor and ask legit questions. I don't even know how you come up with some this stuff, pure talent man! Thanks for the laugh!! Made me miss my KZ1000 though...all 5 cylinders...

[@IchibanMoto]

maybe i should do a behind the scenes vid on how I come up with stuff?

[@melody3741]

Ichiban Moto that would be really cool

[@odiefink9716]

Where can I get some of though bad ass scissors I've been looking everywhere.

[@jobeebrownbag234]

Easy. I'm sure it begins with a doobie circa 1975.@@IchibanMoto

[@ihateandreykrasnokutsky]

I watch 2vintage, so these methods are familiar for me. Subscribed, btw. It's interesting to watch someone who cares enough about motorcycle's repair to gauge the compression in cylinders.

[@23seana73]

Those special teflon coated pink pipe cleaners are excellent. I used a large ball of them to give my Moto-bicyclette a big-bore from 50cc to 356cc and used metal camping cups for the pistons... it's a little rattly now but boy is it BADASS. Thank you for your wisdom Master Ichiban San from over the pond in the U.K. Xx

[@HodgePodgeGarage]

Gotta love Japanese steel. MAN THOSE TOOLS ARE SHARP!

[@veikkovekaman2559]

I like your moving pictures. They spread knowledge world wide. Greetings from snowy Finland.

[@IchibanMoto]

thank you for watching and sharing Veikko !

[@TheComputec]

If my memory serves me right the 5th cylinder on that model is just a redundant spare that kicks in if you throw a piston on any of the others... It automatically switches if it detects problems. The shrapnel from the piston shooting out leaves a trail of aircraft grade aluminum powder which mixes with the hot oil to form a seal and maintain compression until cylinder 5 kicks in. Most people won't even notice it happening unless the high velocity failed piston pierces their calf or thigh... That's why we wear leathers guys !!!

[@davestrain9529]

Incorrect. 5 Cyl NEVER made it To Homologation for racing..therefore WE in the USA never got that model. There was a Service Bulletin.. so Some countries KZ 1000 still have the Fifth cylinder , But its 2 stroke ( to Provide " help" to the other 4 4T pistons on compression. They still have it in Finland.

[@CaliforniaWake]

I just use the compression ratio formula, to make sure my cylinder pressure read outs are on point. Its as easy as Pi(e). Just be heads up, this formula does not work on external combustion engines. It only works on 4 stroke internal combustion engines.

[@easonwee]

Yeah!! Thanks for fulfilling my request. Thumbs up for u. Hi 5!!

[@crabblike]

First time here. This is epic!

[@IchibanMoto]

I need to make a new video

[@obduliocerceno4984]

I don't have a motor. But it is a bad ass cool tips...!!! I really like to see how you use beloved old fashion tools. Anyway thanks for sharing and give you ten out of ten!!!

[@IchibanMoto]

my tools never let me down

[@patrickarchard3773]

I always use sand in my oil because it's made of silica which is how silicone is made. Makes the oil really thick and sticky. Viscosity is amazing with a tired motor!

[@buckwheat7424]

thanks for the good video mr Moto, I'll try that, I've been able to get a compression tester to work, I have 3. been trying for almost 40 years. i tried welding spark plug threads only to a steel line, but left little dingle berries all over the threads, almost stripped the heads.

[@freefromleftwing]

That is a "genius" tool , well done .

[@banditchuck440]

3:12 this is the first time he really did not cut something with scissor

[@davidtappe5337]

Watching reruns, still one of my favorites.

[@corridasloucas]

OMG :) this one was soo good.

[@heldercoelho5403]

the 5 cylinder motorcycle is "one" of its kind!!! Badass

[@johncoscia5258]

A good mechanic doesn't blame his tools , but you have a case .

[@paulkmaster3231]

I did this compression test, even making sure to use the PSI rated yellow zip ties on my brand new Harley Davidson and found that it did not pass this compression test it had 0 PSI. I returned my motorcycle and they gave me another one. It also did not pass this compression test, so I got my money back. Never buying a Harley again. Let's see how a brand new Honda will do on this test. Thanks for all the advice.

[@criticalw88]

Hand drilling with the spark plug spinning is THE BEST!

[@kaveriaerospace7183]

Good job, keep rocking

[@user-dx7gh8qi4o]

That was cool how he made that test tool.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Another great video.

[@IchibanMoto]

just my way of contributing to the greater good

[@jenny666barnish]

I noticed you used a pink pipe cleaner, are the colours job specific like the zip ties or could I use a different colour?

[@IchibanMoto]

with the pink and yellow ones, it's easier to tell when they are dirty vs. the darker colors. ps. Our daughter is a Girl Scout mom. She borrowed our living room for what must have been 25 kids making pink ribbon pins for Breast Cancer awareness last month.. the pipe cleaners are like glitter.. they are still showing up everywhere !!!!!!!

[@rickschroeder7455]

It is also possible to use the same tool to inflate your intertubes in pinch. I always keep a extra 5 gallon compressor on board just in case though...

[@aaronbassett6803]

Worked a treat. If compression was low how would you raise compression. I managed to bend my gauge needle by hand to the desired amount in the workshop guide.

[@IchibanMoto]

can you do the opposite if the compression is way too high?

[@davewalton2358]

Ichiban Moto Just cut the right size hole in the hose with your diamond shears to release the extra compression...

[@johannwolf1]

A master at work

[@ujmrider]

A KZ1000 five ! I have yet to see one in person. That would be bad ass.

[@vigotacoma]

Those miniature scissors cut extremely well. Also the saw that you used to cut off the shrader valve did very quick work. I am amazed that you were able to drill that hole with that antique hand powered drill. Impressive work.

[@fieldpiece851]

Was totally thinking of doing this due to my compression kit not having a 10mm insert

[@IchibanMoto]

hey, it works.. :D

[@GTsGarage]

Some really good info there, thanks for the instructional.

[@IchibanMoto]

you are very welcome sir :D

[@MADMAX-tv8su]

+ichiban moto can you do a video about preparing for a long distance motorcycle trip as in what to pack when touring like equipment and stuff...

[@IchibanMoto]

sure, I already have a well stocked tool, supply and medical roll. check out that video and let me know what you would add. I will collect up a new list and make an updated version.

[@flmmaz]

Ichiban sounds like the lead singer from King Missile.

[@IchibanMoto]

....shhhh

[@jaredj631]

Oh dude great vid as usual but you should really use a green, high tension lithium impregnated pipe cleaner.

[@23seana73]

Let's not go overboard, the Teflon coated stuff is fine for this job. Your stuff is more for dealing with the Earths Iron Core... X

[@thesniperofcs]

thank you ♥ i will begin making it

[@spencermacgillivray7777]

super cool, question my 1975 Suzuki RE5 is a bit down on power, can I check the cylinder presser and leak down the same way as your video showed. ? thanks

[@ramtuffman1966]

Sorta but because it has 2 plugs you will need to use a Nickel Town Customs pressure grade double hose splice to get both checked at the same time, you could get a false reading if they aren't synchronized though, so be sure to synchronize your exhaust before performing the test.

[@IchibanMoto]

so is the RE5 5 liter the only 5 rotor with two plugs ?

[@ramtuffman1966]

Yes, it was a race inspired design adapted for the road in a bold move by Suzuki to compete against Honda's awesome new 7 cylinder supercharged 2 stroke dominating the GP circuit at the time.

[@spencermacgillivray7777]

Ichiban Moto of course it's a 5 liter stock, but it has been bore out to full face size with full race wipers and my top notch Suzuki full race mechanic / tuner, added two extra valves per rotor, he stuck with dual mass electrode plugs, due to keep the wight down.

[@thefreedomguyuk]

As always brilliant ! Thank you!

[@slit4659]

lol...I just shit myself...this guy's really knows his shit

[@carloshnunez]

Great hilarious video 😃😄🤪🙂

[@jocrp6]

No dyno run to see if power was brought back to spec's? would love to see a ichiban dyno build!

[@IchibanMoto]

i will add that to the list :D

[@marv.mon.9845]

Wow what kind of little scissors are those?

[@IchibanMoto]

those are diamond blade shears grandpa brought back from the war

[@marv.mon.9845]

@@IchibanMoto Damn brother those are badass!

[@dudemonkfish4641]

Kz1000 4 +1/2 cylinder are a rare find.

[@samtate1260]

Where did you get those special tools that cut anything with ease

[@IchibanMoto]

diamond blade shears grandpa brought back from the war

[@stevenrapa4014]

Would expansion of the rubber hoses not affect the reading?

[@IchibanMoto]

nah, it's only 7psi

[@ansenbaelo3734]

Can I use this compression tester check my 2 stroke

[@gravelyetigravelyeti4284]

would it be OK to use a blue pipe cleaner ? you are fully bad ass!

[@mad3arber]

got me lernt sumthin new u did :)

[@turbofreakdotcom]

You are freaking hilarious! 😊

[@mrfister1899]

"Eco green diamond paper"? This must be new technology I've not heard of

[@IchibanMoto]

it's biodegradable .. except for the diamonds

[@heavydiesel]

If i turn the engine upside down can i use oil to check for bad valves?

[@thefreedomguyuk]

heavydiesel Yes, if the piston rings are very worn !

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

Not joking, but if you have the valve train assembled and off the bike, you can fill the combustion chamber with gasoline and check for a leak between seat and valve.

[@tedc4488]

Don't forget to light a match for best visibility during inspection

[@FclefRules]

Can you do a video on how to balance (or bias) the exhaust output on an early model Kawazuki 714cc (I know, rare!!). P.S. Where can I find one of those micro-sized center punches?

[@llamedosr7843]

love those 5 cylinder engines

[@IchibanMoto]

oh, off topic: what was the tagline of Audi's 5 cyl. marketing? I have to find the old commercials from the groub b era

[@TheAvis2500]

how important is it to use a pink pipe cleaner? I live in oz and can only get green and yellow ones here. bad ass

[@thenonexpected]

hello friend. do you mind sharing a bit of the process of drilling the spark plug? been trying for 1 hour without any positive result...

[@IchibanMoto]

light even pressure, constant speed and a drop of cutting oil

[@thenonexpected]

thanks mate

[@lajostoth2846]

Super! What is the correct compression value (bar)?

[@IchibanMoto]

oh, yes of course.... the conversion is like 14 bar or 1434 kpa

[@JohnnieV]

Leakage detected thru crankcase. Tech suggested new engine. Any idea what the problem is??

[@buddybonus10]

Hi ichiban,over here in the uk we can only get red psi rated zip ties and they only go up to 187 psi. Is there anything else I could use? Maybe purple stripe air rated installation tape? Thanks

[@Coldfin9er]

buddybonus10 Halfords sell uprated blue ones rated to 20 bar, use these instead.

[@buddybonus10]

Coldfin9er oh that's great as the ones I have just blow off,will try Halfords ,thankyou

[@IchibanMoto]

i can't vouch for those... maybe put on five or six and stand back when under pressure

[@AdamNDJ]

I noticed you did this on one of them fancy lectric start bikes. Is there any difference if you have a kicker? Like a certain number of kicks? Cause I only average about 2 kicks in 4½ seconds.

[@IchibanMoto]

i have to check motorpedia .. but I believe it is kicks per second.

[@sergiodesmo8955]

Hello Ichiban Master, would the compression check tool work with other zip ties colors ? I ran out of the yellow ones and I have blue ones left only. All the best from Switzerland !

[@IchibanMoto]

what is the pressure rating on the blue? i don't have a conversion guide with me right now

[@kobiroar4221]

Those scissors are amazing can cut the end off spark plugs

[@davesstuff1599]

As long as the green Taco Bell packet makes an appearance I'm satisfied.

[@Mukeshmiktecrep]

Psi rated zip ties are good.

[@mohamedgamaleldien4216]

simple idea from smart man !!!

[@the_riding_dutchman]

I only have yellow pipe cleaners, will this work, too??

[@IchibanMoto]

I wouldn't chance that

[@zuluflight5467]

Looks like a honda 500ccm motor. don´t remember exactly. but it doesn´t seems to be more than one cylinder. and it´s crazy how your swiss knife is cutting everything.

[@IchibanMoto]

zulu flight diamond blade shears

[@zuluflight5467]

Never. Too cheap for men like you. There must be a trick.

[@zuluflight5467]

you make it like Uri Geller. Ha!

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

Will this still work even if I only have gold sparkly pipe cleaners?

[@IchibanMoto]

hmmm... my kit included only pink, white, blue, silver and standard grade gold :/

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

Ichiban Moto ah maybe mine is out of date then

[@IchibanMoto]

...or possibly Whitworth, Imperial or ?

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

Ichiban Moto yes it seems to be whitworth best get back to the tobacco shop before it closes

[@IchibanMoto]

it's election day here, so I gave everyone the day off

[@MrRichard57000]

so i squirt oil in cyl no 5,crank the engine and oil pressure goes up by 7 psi? right?...

[@lorollinls]

You forgot to fill the cylinders full of Nickletown Customs spray lubricant to help the compression build! 😂

[@IchibanMoto]

I used 25ml in the cyl if the comp is down as a ring vs. valve test. I talk about it in the video. I just don't say "Nickletown Customs" unless they provide giveaways for the subscriber drawings.

[@lorollinls]

Ahhh I see. I must've missed that part! I need to get in on that next drawing...

[@kevmankom]

Does the engine need to be warmed up to get proper readings?

[@Coldfin9er]

kevmankom Yeah, shop manual calls for the engine to be hot. As these 5 pot Z1000 motors are air cooled you can use the wife's hair dryer to bring it up to temp.

[@RumbleRoverTV]

For a moment i tought you were serieus.😂

[@easonwee]

Super Bad Ass Genius!!!

[@ainsipour2003]

good video thanx

[@jonlaws4493]

I only have the green eco zip ties. Do you know the psi rating on them?

[@IchibanMoto]

you mean those zips made of renewable organic hemp?

[@TomChame]

How can you perform a proper compression test without corking the mufflers?

[@giuseppetrento1229]

Amazing

[@MadAussieMatt]

I just checked the 7psi after 15min and found it has dropped to 5psi. Does my engine need rebuild?

[@IchibanMoto]

probably not.. just find where the leak is coming from

[@adamo5919]

To find the leak, can't you just dump a bunch of soap and water in the cylinder? I tried this on my mothers 2017 BMW X5 and it stopped working... after the soap and water theory, my psi went up!

[@BluntForceTrauma666]

Woah. Did dude _really_ cut off the main terminal stud and the ground electrode using a pair of those dull assed scissors you find in an old first-aid kit?? (see 1:32)

[@IchibanMoto]

diamond blade shears

[@pgtmr2713]

This... is my Graceland :D

[@thefirstdutchguy]

You could have saved yourself a lot of work by getting some pre-drilled spark plugs from home depot. btw you forgot to mention that you have to put your bike in gear and on the brake for a leak down test to prevent your bike from rolling out of the shop when applying pressure with the pump. OTHERWISE TOP NOTCH !

[@IchibanMoto]

good tip :D

[@titusoverholt134]

huh.......nice, i normally use a macdonalds straw and small ball bearing for a guage

[@geoffreycasey875]

Why do you stop making more videos?

[@wanmuhammadfakhrullahwan8078]

👍👍

[@bambufan3636]

I don't have a pressure gauge laying around, is it ok to use my tongue on the nipple to get a rough estimate?

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Bambu Fan Dude, this is a serious technical channel, and you are talking about using tongues on nipples ??!? (-;

[@bambufan3636]

Seems natural enough to me?

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Bambu Fan (-; !

[@IchibanMoto]

that works on 9v batteries...

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Ichiban Moto Awww !! Badass !!

[@andymohabir5894]

Nicely done,but it look like that's a single cylinder bike.

[@dannymagoo9625]

If McGyver had your scissors.......

[@rommel3942]

badass

[@joeskittino6659]

There's no way you're going to just squirt that oil in there! Obviously a spork is the proper tool duuh

[@ramtuffman1966]

Good shop tip.

[@rogertopful]

Hey, I think he knows what he's doing. He's the professional here.

[@richie9777]

Did you check cylinder 7 too?

[@ramtuffman1966]

That was a KZ1000, so no, only the limited edition (very rare) KZ1007 had the extra 2.

[@IchibanMoto]

wasn't the KZ1007 a two stroke ?

[@ramtuffman1966]

Indeed it was a 2 stroke, you know your motorcycle lore very well indeed sir.

[@tullebanditt]

the local KZ1000/KZ1007 dealer told me they only came whit a 3-stroke...

[@markleng67]

Uses the Northstar system... Usually only runs on 5 cylinders, the other 2 are redundant.

[@DoRC]

Crap. I just did this and got 0 psi on both of my cylinders. Which is weird because it runs great. Oh well I guess I'm going to rebuild it. I don't want to risk it:(

[@IchibanMoto]

probably just needs a top end. probably

[@DoRC]

Ichiban Moto ok I replaced the handlebars, gauges, tank, and windshield and am still getting 0. Is the seat part of the top or bottom end?

[@DoRC]

Ichiban Moto never mind I just realized I was completely out of steam oil. Filled her up and she's good to go. Also seems to have fixed the recurring hot start issue in the left turbine.

[@IchibanMoto]

correct. the seat of the bike is the top end

[@nickg1387]

Fuckin spark plug hammer! Lmao

[@elrayox8932]

Why are there rags tied around the exhaust on that bike?

[@ramtuffman1966]

Not rags, that's clearly Nickel Town Customs re-plating wrap, if your exhaust is discolored or rusted through you wrap it with the re-plating wrap to seal it and them just chrome over. It will leave your exhaust looking badass!!

[@ssdd5614]

El Rayo X heat wrap

[@IchibanMoto]

see my pipe wrap video ;)

[@23seana73]

See it and weep. Xx

[@scottliegel855]

Good video but I felt like I was watching The Flintstones when you were using some of those tools,, I mean tools that were made after 1922,, like a plug socket 3/8 or 1/2 inch Drives.. Maybe a real center punch instead of a 3 penny nail.. oh and most of all a compression gauge.. but very informative if I ever have to do that don't have the correct Tools in my box..☝

[@rucebaybruce6174]

I wish we was neighbors.

[@IchibanMoto]

where ya from Frank?

[@MontanaFree]

3 thumbs up!

[@nonenone5627]

Think this is fake. You need 2 valves to keep preasure in the hose. Or you must measure while you cranking the engine