HOW TO MAKE A CYLINDER LEAK DOWN TESTER TO CHECK BLOWN HEAD GASKETS, PISTON RINGS, VALVE & SEATS

Automotive technician since 1991 In this tutorial I show how to make a Cylinder Leak Down Tester with simple air fittings then show you how to use it.
When you perform this test do it with the engine warm if possible, the car in this video was not warm (because of repair reason) but warm your engine if you can. Have a strong day and stay bold in Jesus Name God Bless.

[@wrench-weld-build6545]

You have to realize that a lot of mechanical/trades knowledge is driven by larger companies that are using methods driven by economical and time saving methods. This kat is showing you how to be a real mechanic for yourself and on a smaller scale. Alot of the bigger shops and dealers for both industrial equipment and automotive applications focus on parts swapping because they send everything out to the reman market. Was told by a vendor that a gearbox for a conveyor was not rebuildable and we just had to buy new units. 100 dollars in seals and bearings compared to 2000.00 for a new gearbox. If it sounds like b.s. it usually is. Use your common sense and dont be afraid to think for yourself. Thanks old skool for being a resourceful person and sharing solid knowledge.

[@matthewarmour9105]

even if I buy one you've shown me how it works. good work.

[@JM-xo6tf]

Oldschool your videos are educational for all the back yard mechanics, I enjoy the details you convey very well Thank you very much. I will make me a leak down tester!!!!

[@onyekachukwupaul5744]

I love ur style of working dear brother from another mother. God bless you.

[@ghostnic8]

Great video. Really empowers the average guy to do this stuff. I'm off to pick up the spare parts I'll need with the stuff I've got around my shop to do just this. Way to go.

[@KantusKid]

Love your no frills get it done attitude brother. God bless you and your family.

[@strattuner]

YOU'VE JUST SHOWN thousands of people a very quick way of diagnosing a sudden loss of power in a internal combustion engine,and saved them hundreds in unnecessary parts,kepted them from blowing oil all over the hiways all over the world,very good super wrench,i'm a retired senior master ase tech and you know we don't need any more work, we're always backlogged,thats the reason it takes 2 weeks to get your car out of a dealership.good job oldskool take a bow

[@klausschreyer7062]

I have been a Mechanic 35 years I liked the Video and the Balloon Trick on Compression Hose Adapter Good Idea.Just when you thought you seen it all.

[@greggcordell5477]

Just wanted to say it was a good video and I appreciate the time that you put into them and and spreading the word of our Lord also. My mother was a church secretary for many years after my father died because it helped keep her mind off the pain of losing him to cancer and it was a long a painful way to go . I can't tell you how many times the military flew me home because they didn't think he was going to make it much longer. Well thanks for the good tips it helps me keep my mind off my mother after I lost her 3 years ago . I rather make it than buy it if I can because the stuff they sell is either junk or just can't do that one thing that I need it to do. God Bless.

[@dnlmachine4287]

Oldskool you are the man, bless you brother. You and a few others on youtube inspired me to take a 2002 Mazda Protege5 I bought to resell, and instead tear it down and rebuild it with my niece. I'm doing this so she can have the skills and knowledge you and I have. Also she will get a beautiful little car that she appreciates and knows inside out at the end. I really appreciate your presentation and real-world approach to your videos. So much in our society is "Buy it, waste it, throw it away", but you teach the world that we can do it the right way. Keep it up, Stay gold.

[@tmc.318]

Thanks for sharing. You inspired me to modify my $30 Harbor Frt one which is all but useless because it's calibrated to use about 14psi and it's internal restrictor was way too open for 100psi. I also I blew the secondary gauge right away when I went to pressure needed to really do a leak down and have some flow. So I disassembled the block, poured an epoxy plug which I then drilled like you. I bought a 100psi engine side gauge and reassembled everything. Now it's a bonafide leak down machine. To funnel the epoxy in I used a 1/2 female to 1/4" male NPT adapter and poured epoxy from the motor side end. I did block off the regulator end of the restrictor with a Q tip handle so the epoxy did fill but not go past the existing restrictor. Hope that helps someone.

[@YOU_CREATE_YOUR_OWN_KARMA_369]

Just want to say thank you! Watching your video and videos has helped me greatly! I have made my own compression tester turned into a cylinder leak down tester! And watched this whole video and loved it! But must say... For me the best part by far was the ending and you speaking of remembering Jesus and to love trust and believe in him and you will be taken care of! AMEN BROTHER! Could not agree anymore! Your a good man and a wise man! I wish you nothing but the best of luck for you and your family! God Bless! -Yim

[@donaldwoodford824]

Your a good Guy Thank's for the vid. I'm working on a Taurus that has a Pressure Leak somewhere now I need to build my own Pressure tester. I have most of the fitting's already. The Shop only told me it was loosing pressure but didn't tell me from where. Thank's again . God Bless you and your Family.

[@RoyalHippieGangstercom]

Like a Boss! Thank you. I have a 2000 Range Rover P38 4.6L Holland & Holland Edition #61 of only 125 made in that configuration for the united states that's been sitting in the driveway (for years) and these videos give me the inspiration, technical know-how and demystify the beast under the hood enough where I feel comfortable attempting to diagnose my own coolant/combustion gas mixing situation. (I need to determine the culprit, and my hunch isn't a pleasant one...based on internet research.) I used to be the type that just rolled up to my mechanic and opened my wallet. Then I realized he was fallible. Now I know it's time for my to take responsibility. Plus, who loves that ride more than me? Who knows it's sounds and smells more than me? Who gives more of a hoot if she works well vs. strands me? NOBODY! Again, thank you. (You remind me of my favorite Grandpa.)

[@abitcutout]

Lovin this video. You just helped me step up my game! Learnin something new every day.

[@Sam-zp5rd]

Thank you so much for your videos showing how to do things on a tight budget. These are tricks of the trade and you have blessed so many of us working at home. God bless you.

[@spike3505]

I just want to thank you for this well informed video as I had the shock of my life earlier today when checking out just how much manufacturers are charging for the most basic of leak down test equipment, the cheapest was the equivalent to $200. I was surprised at how cheap they cost in the US. Not being a professional mechanic its just cash I can't warrant spending on something that I'll probably only use once or twice more in my life. What you've put together suits my needs totally and I was impressed with your explanation of why you were doing what you were doing and the reasoning behind it. Thanks again oldskool, you've really made my day.

[@frogpants483]

You're such a gift to the world. I'm so happy I found your channel.

[@jimwarneke]

Oldskool - Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video ... It really helped me diagnose what's going on inside the engine. TIP: If you use a straightened coat hanger as long as your screw driver, you could save removing the hose from the cylinder between your compression stroke test and connecting the leak down gauges - simply stick the wire through your hose and watch it come up to TDC

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Thanks Jim, I actually have a thin gauged wire that I do use inside the compression hose to save time but I decided to not use it in the video so I can explain the process better without confusion. Keep the DIY innovation flowing my man God Bless.

[@pedrosrivera93]

Mr. Old Skool Funk thank you. I left a comment on the trailer video. You sir are awesome and very knowledgeable. Thank GOD and THE LORD I found you and your channel. I needed this tool bad. Thank You sir.🙏🏽

[@stevecamp2806]

Excellent video. You really address to the DIY mechanic and the guy that likes to make his own equipment. I have needed to do a leakdown on several cars. This not only showed how to make the tool, but gave the background on how it worked and how to use it properly. Keep up the excellent work.

[@LtDan-qt8tl]

Great video OldSkool! Thank you for passing along your knowledge on building a leakdown tester. God bless!!

[@billarmstrong7155]

You are amazing greatest instructional video ive seen . Very easy for common shade tree mechanics to understand. Keep them coming. Thanks!

[@icepick859]

Favorite mechanic on you tube! You get the job done . very smart and I like the old school attitude. If it works, it works! God bless

[@michor10]

I've learned so much from you, brother. Thank you so much.

[@scflooring8658]

You the man very easy to follow along and love how you work outside like the rest of us!! Keep smashing on it!!

[@betsyjames416]

You the man very knowledgeable thank you

[@fishinfool63]

It was an Honor watching your video and your a real Man a man of God!!

[@masterdomhowie871]

Great video, and very detailed information. You'd male a good teacher!

[@maryjoalhellu7262]

hay oldskool ur the best man... ur gift to all man kind stay strong in the lord my brother... we love you

[@bmcunning]

Im really glad you put the teflon tape on properly, most people don't

[@CALIBRA4X4]

Hi. You are a smart cookie, Leak down test is new to me, but why? it can tell you so much about engine condition/faults. Thanks

[@andrewinpopayan]

I really liked the tester AND your presentation..... lets see more of you.

[@blackspawn67]

Wow!!! Thank you for the knowledge of making this! Great info!

[@martinhudson2657]

Very home made great job of explaining and technical is spot on! Great job

[@IamDerick]

Did you grow up on a farm? I did and that is exactly the kind of DIY we did every day. I bought my leak down tester and I think yours is at least as good as the one I use. I know the versatility is better with it being constructed with two parts. That gauged regulator can be used for other things while the leak down gauge can be safely tucked away. Great work!

[@kaktusjack1033]

excellent video. this is gonna come in handy on an engine i'm diagnosing. Thanks for the upload

[@stigonutube]

Great Video And Explaining The Leak Down Tester+Theory All The Way Through Cylinder 1-4 in real time Without cutting the heck out of Video like others do, so THANK YOU.

[@carlosarmero594]

Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful video

[@mosaini1944]

very good guy in showing his leak down tester and how to use it very help full

[@bajasandboard7458]

Thanks. very good video on the diagnostic side. and superb on the Making on the leak tester ..there is places where there is no harbor freight or a store to buy testing stuff, but you can always get regulators and air supply stuff.

[@IzzyDrummer]

Awesome video, very informative. Especially loved the end. Amen! God bless.

[@Johnny10X]

Thanks man for sharing your knowledge with the world

[@faisalsayeed3883]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing your knowledge and know-how. Will start to work on our Nissan Patrol diesel 4x4 which we want to take with us back to Canada from Australia.

[@JunkMikesWorld]

You are a pretty good mechanic. I realy appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Going to check rings in an air compressor today. This should help me out a lot! All the best! Mike

[@tobiassinclair4646]

I always wanted this tool. Thanks for your handy info! Your occupation may be automotive repair but your vocation is to be empowered by Christ.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

AMEN Brother God Bless

[@bobbyr8071]

Love the little pep talk at the end

[@DIYApprentice]

I just made a tester after watching your video. I couldn't find the drill bit, so I ended up using my Dremel with a 1/32 bit and Dremel chuck (part# 4486); I got the drill bit and chuck at Lowe's. The pressures are almost exactly the same at the gauges when the regulator is set to 100 PSI. Thanks for the tip!

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Congrats on completing your project. Stay innovative and never be afraid to get or think outside THE BOX, God Bless.

[@MrBeefsnorkel]

Look bro, your videos are the shit. Seeing how something is done is the type of learner I am. But when I got to 6:00 mins on the video, I felt like the little homie and you were teaching me how to mix rock. I love how you teach man, since I already mess with dirtbikes and cars (not so much anymore) I know like, what parts your holding to make that leak down tester, all that. But seeing you do it, with a quick and to the point explanation while giving me that taste of curious deviance, it makes it exciting, all that, it reminds me of the getting down in phoenix a long time ago. I subscribed to your channel and I can't wait to watch all of your other ones so I can finally see how its done instead of having to rely on some cranky oldschool old man (like the old guys you work with at a shop) to show me how to get it done. Thank you!

[@itsme2369]

Maaaaaan beast mode. Bro you must be Puerto Rican lol. Papa your a great motivator. I seen your how I flip cars video im trying to get into that. But out here in NYC maaaaan its tough so i dont know if I should. West coast is very different from East coast. But god blessed you with a talent and he also has you making videos for your youtube family. Papa keep these videos coming we need more people like you in this crazy bad economy world. Smash em bro get the deal done, god bless peace from NYC.

[@biofuel10]

Just subed and thanks for the vids. Very well made and informative, your a good man and God Bless you. Will keep watching !!

[@williamwinchester792]

Love your work man, So cool at it. Thanks for all you awesome tips.

[@FernandoSanchez-fi7ry]

brother ive been watching your videos all day long you,ve got some knowledge bro thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@joelmccoin9727]

Another good video, great info, well presented. God Bless you and yours.

[@shellscripting9526]

Brilliant stuff. Thanks old skul funk. Youre da best !!

[@ricktv3514]

excellent work man ,good homemade tool

[@jimytaylor1157]

This is a good video, thanks. I subscribed. I get fittings and guages like these at work. Now I have something else I can use them for.

[@heavymechanic2]

This video was very informative on how to make a much needed diagnostic tool on the cheap and not just "Wing It" with an educated guess from compression testing. I use a pancake compressor to adjust the line psi, it also has a ball valve. I went and filled an air fitting with solder in the threaded end to make the restriction. I have to run down a #60 drill (ordered one on eBay). I am using an Air Hold Set with a solid pipe to fit down the spark plug wells, you had your valve cover removed... My investment is an air gauge and a few fittings. Before I found this video, my plan was to just apply some air to determine if one or all four cylinders are causing excessive crankcase pressure to blow out gaskets. A small piece tissue paper over the oil cap opening will determine if air is rushing out.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Right on Heavymechanic2. Yes I agree the tool is very necessary for any mechanic who pulls engines apart with out guess work. I believe the leak down is the best method for testing internal engine integrity. I see you are on it and in the process of making your own GET AFTER IT! I could have bought one but im so unconventional I couldnt because I had to take on the challenge lol. any way here is another video on how I diagnose blown head gaskets, Keep your head up God Bless DIAGNOSING A BLOWN HEAD GASKET WITH A HOME MADE CYLINDER LEAK DOWN TESTER HONDA SOHC VTEC 1.6L.

[@Mixz1890]

Just gotta love your videos, anyone rarely does these in english but I have seen a lot of them in russian(probably the reason is the economical state of the countries). I need to do a leakdown test but im not into buying a 100$ piece just for 1 use really. I already had some thoughts on how to actually make but I couldnt think a way to make that middle part with the hole, this solution is pretty good and it seems like im going to use it.

[@Photostudioww]

badass video bro! The whole system for testing the head is badass!

[@michaelbennett9296]

Thanks! Always better to have tools you've made yourself. You know the quality of the parts, potential weaknesses, and the engineering of it. I was going to buy a $50 tester but I could make one for $10-20. You rely on your own skills instead of expensive electronic tools.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

This leak down test will determine how well your engine is sealing as far as the valves and valve seat and piston rings. you can learn a lot about your engine leakage/ performance, head gasket leakage (pin pointing which cylinder) or if you have a crack in a certain area inside your engine cylinder head or cylinder bore (The Block). As far as air supply you will need an air compressor to bring the cylinder to 100 PSI. Its worth buying a cheap compressor because this is one of the best ways to check how well your engine is sealing. A vacuum gauge can tell you a lot also but not as detailed as a leak down test. perform this procedure while your engine is warm if you can so the piston rings can expand and seal better. but I did the test cold because I did some other work during the leak down test. Also do a compression test to get a general idea of how each cylinder is performing. hope this helps God Bless.

[@haydenc2742]

Awesome video! Keep up the great work!

[@janicetwnsend21]

au

[@joeymartinezi8827]

I'm having issues with the epoxy part.. does it have to be completely filled, or as long as there's a clog to drill through it?

[@rudyalmillon788]

oldskool funk what size bit did you use to do the orifice hole..

[@AlmalikyAli]

oldskool funk Good job buddy. thanks

[@knocternal51]

Thanks Bro, your a car God in my eyes. helped me out alot

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Right on Knocternal51, Its all about helping each other. Keep your head up Bro and God Bless.

[@engrhasan9147]

thanks for your effort on this video . very nice & details. i love that

[@vero2826]

i made me one with a restricted fiting made with a cut out 1/8 npt zerk threaded in a 1/4 pipe works great thx for the idea

[@2094Ryan]

Great job buddy, big fan of your videos, yeah working at home is different than in the workshop, sometimes you need to make due with what you have to get the job done. And sometimes making the tools for the job are cheaper then paying for them and work just as good. Ozzy, (Belfast, northern Ireland).

[@markslusz5590]

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@goodtrip4201]

I had no idea you could recalibrate a gauge by turning that PIN that's amazing thanks for the tip

[@jonathan-emilypowell1962]

Great do it yourself build could save 50 to 150 dollars off buying a new tester. Thanks G for sharing

[@rustylugnut755]

Subscribed! Excellent information with uplifting delivery. And, the Charger T shirts are way cool except when you use them as rags! Owww!

[@skip7204]

this is awesome! I'm going to make one!

[@nserekotonny6957]

Cool bro lam a Ugandan mey God the Almighty bless

[@AlbertoHernandez-rt4or]

Great Videos Greetings From El Salvador

[@fallguy100000]

Happy Easter-thanks.

[@seanmckernan2804]

excellent video .Very well explained .

[@afournier849]

I'm glad to hear you say remember to put Jesus first.We need to tell everyone about Jesus. Thank you my brother in Christ.

[@HerbertGomez37]

Great. Learned a lot.

[@gerrygoulet1675]

You're a good man.

[@shoominati23]

Thanks for the plans for this tester. I tune 2 stroke motorbikes and scooters and made a similar one for my big bore kitted Yamaha Aerox

[@thesamthatiamjordan7678]

shoominati23 just make sure your not using 100 psi. that's too much for a bike only need like 15 psi or you could blow the crank seals out of their seats

[@shoominati23]

Oh yeah, I only actually use one of those outboard motor bulb type pumps to get it up to pressure. And I have these expandable plugs I got from the hardware store to connect into the ports, you know the type with the handle on top and you tilt it 90 degrees and the plug expands? they also do one you screw in to expand

[@ItzWemu]

could you tell me what are you actually testing in this process in your scooter, piston ring leakage or what? im not so studied with these things but curious tho :D

[@thesamthatiamjordan7678]

Just the best way to find an air leak.

[@shoominati23]

Piston rings mainly, remembering that 2 strokes have at the most 2 and sometime just one piston ring and the crank seals to a lesser extent

[@leakyoak2903]

Very good DIY video

[@russcrisp]

Ahhh.. I was thinking in 2 cycle mode.. Thanks man!

[@demarques1911]

He's a genius...a innovator

[@stephenjanoski8644]

I like it, good video. If you want to check to see if the rings are leaking add a little oil to the cylinder prior. Good valuable tool and info. I Subscribed......

[@jeffmorris3789]

Great video, Thanks! God Bless. Col 2:10

[@codered5431]

Ya man thanks for video im going to make mine , an alway check my used car before i buy

[@RC-Heli835]

Awesome man! It sure is nice to have the plugs in the top of the motor instead of against the fire wall like my Ford Windstar. It has I believe to be a blown head gasket. No oil is getting in the water. I lose water slowly and I hear a puffing under the hood. I'm gonna build one of these. Thanks!

[@TheNDex]

Hey man, how did the build go?

[@TheBgred1]

great vid, just made one. thanks

[@dickchibbles]

Awesome video my friend thank you so much for putting it together I have an 02 F150 cylinder 3 no compression I was wondering if there was a way to figure out if it is a valve or something in the head the intake manifold or the Piston or piston rings now I know how to figure it out

[@williammontanez8589]

Don't know the size of the female fittings or what size couples to use. Please inform me really want to make this leak down tester, great video very much on the money and cheap. You got a brilliant mind and bless you for this video. Just need to know the size of everything have and old compressor test gauge, how many psi for the pressure gauge I need to get. Thanks for everything. Bless you again.

[@rod65man65]

Going to make , thanks God bless

[@geraldhinson]

Best video I've seen on this. Thanks for doing it! Subscribed. Question: Do you not need to do this test after the engine is warm and all of the parts have expanded and things are tighter? I'm sure I've heard that advice somewhere in the past. God bless.

[@amyd2203]

Hi oldskool! You make great videos, thank you so much. I have a 2001 325i BMW that I bought for $2,900. It only has 130K miles on it. I was stupid and didn't have a mechanic look at it first. It has a puff of white smoke that smells like coolant come out of the exhaust. There is also that white splatter under the hood and the guys I bought it from just replaced the radiator. A mechanic suspected that is the head gasket. I'm in a tough spot because I can't really resell it, everyone who looked at it saw the smoke and I'm not the type of person to lie and not be honest about what is going on with the car. I also can't afford at all to pay for such a big job. :( It was suggested to me to do the compression leak test. I wanted to ask you if based on the symptoms I've described is there a chance at all that it could actually be something other than the head gasket? Could the compression test revel something else? The car does drive. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm willing to dive into this myself to try to salvage my mistake, if possible. Thank you for any advice.

[@weldbead]

The use of the balloon is genius!

[@danielmerino69]

Thank U Very Much>>> Great Video >> God Bless You

[@nonyourbuz5805]

..Good Training Video...

[@spelunkerd]

I was puzzled about the design of a leakdown tester, until I realized that it is analogous to voltage drop testing in electronics. You interpose a fixed resistance inside the device, and then measure voltage or pressure on both sides of that resistance. If significant flow is happening, there will be a difference between the two (like a voltage drop across a resistor). A tighter pinhole will amplify differences, so you need to calibrate and gain experience with your device to get an idea of what is normal. It's easy to see why you could do this test at lower pressures and still see the relative difference.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Yep spelunkerd, its all about the tiny pin hole (resistance). I was baffled at first until I googled it, Thank God for google and the information age huh lol, and yes it will work putting a lower PSI in the cylinder but 100 PSI is the magic number Ive always used in the shop.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Don't get it twisted, GOD created everything you see, including YOU and loves YOU no matter what but be careful where you get your info from and who you let feed you those lies about God. The evidence of his existence is all around you brothers. Just remember this. One day you will stand before him and if you keep rejecting Jesus Christ and continue to pump your fist at him then you will not make it into heaven. God gave you free will, make wise decisions and be careful you don't test God, (Repent) before its to late. No beef brothers God Bless you.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Never mind. Jesus Loves you

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Right on Brother. Keep your head up.

[@paulusgeorge7541]

Very much impressive man, you're the best, May God bless you.

[@johnnyyammine77]

hey thanks for the tuturiol, let me ask though; can I make one of these for a diesel engine if I use a 300 psi manometro?

[@otisja]

great video

[@jimcouzens4797]

Very well done

[@rudyalmillon788]

ive got everything together just not the part to do the orifice what drill bit size did you use..i got the coupling filled with epoxy ready to be drilled just dont know what size bit to use. gone to the hardware store and the smallest ive found is 1/16 and looking at a convertion chart the size for the .040 is drill bit #60 that i cant find no where around this hardware stores in los angeles.