How To Test Engine Health Before Adding BOOST ~ Compression and Vacuum Testing

[@FlesHBoX]

"The Only Difference Between Screwing Around and Science Is Writing It Down"

[@HumbleMechanic]

OMG I love this!!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

So true lol

[@matthewguerra5410]

A boost gauge that has vacuum on it is a solid way to have a running and driving vacuum test all the time. When my B5 S4 had a lifter seize the gauge me I had an issue before I scanned the ecu for the light. It was an easy diagnosis.

[@SouthMainAuto]

If have to respectfully disagree with the relative compression on a scope to check health. Only because it compares cylinders relative to each other. In the circumstance when all the cylinders are low, the relative compression test would be perfect 👍 A pressure transducer with a relative test, now we're talking 😁 Great video sir! Lots of great info in here. Double 👍👍

[@TheRebuilt1]

I bought a snap-on leak down and compression tester set as my first purchase from the truck many moons ago. Still have and best tool and purchase I ever made. Great wisdom and knowledge transfer you're providing Charlie.

[@Simpleman1078]

It looks like every R32 owner in the world has found this and commented! Awesome.... 👌

[@dmbworks8094]

OH BOY something tells me im going to win the loose chain award.!

[@ChaseHollandProductions]

I’m so scared to hook up mine to VCDS and see lmfao

[@heartyoutube306]

I have an 2004 r32...cant tell you enough how much I enjoy your content. I love watching mk4 r32 videos

[@PAStreetScene]

This video couldn't have come at a better time! I've been thinking about boosting my R32 but the engine is super high mileage. Thanks for your input!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sweet! Your timing on this whole project will end up being perfect. HA

[@CoreMaster111]

How high?

[@Mr_Whippy92]

very informative , i've a level 3 certification in mechanics but never worked in a live garage , did most of my learning on donor cars my school got from scrapyards. ive did compression and leakdown tests, never a vaccum test like that. and even tho ive did a compression test , its only been crank compression. id never even contemplated doing it while running so learning that as a further tool to my diognostics is priceless. it makes complete sense though and proves how valuable these types of videos can be. ive often thought about the best way to diagnose a blocked exhaust but never had it crop up on a vehicle ive worked on so never had to tackle it head on. much aprreciate the content , keep it up, its amazing

[@jamesl197999]

Disconnecting the evap purge and going into the manifold there is actually one of the better places recommended to go as if you think about it that has to be even to all cylinders as you have the fuel Vapors that need to be distributed evenly between all cylinders. Both John Thornton and Brandon Steckler and many others have mentioned this and some of their courses. There may be some rare cases but for the most part that should be a great place to go for almost all vehicles.. Great eat content.

[@HumbleMechanic]

IF ever in doubt, listen to those dudes. HAHA

[@rich5984]

Just finishing my R32 engine conversion in to a MK1 Golf. Want to boost it eventually and this will be invaluable. Thanks for the great content and your new workshop looks amazing by the way 👍

[@labradormcgraw]

Always such a pleasure to watch an HM video. Even if the content isn't relevant, the company always is. Long live The Humble Mechanic.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you! If you feel like it, give this one a share. :)

[@labradormcgraw]

@@HumbleMechanic Already have.

[@dirktadango2489]

You’re a life saver Charles!!! Thank you for what you do!!!

[@dominikkozela9763]

I work for a tuning garage and we do a compression, smoke test and test the spark plugs on every car before it gets tuned. Sometimes low compression can be caused by a stuck lifter in the head so revving the car can fix that. If compression is low a very good test to follow up with is a cylinder leak down test. It shows if the valves are sealing correctly or how much they are leaking.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep leak down tests are great and can tell you a lot. I usually save those for last, because they can be a pain to do. LOL

[@imranyaqub1790]

Great descriptions on the video. Like the part about checking the chains using the scan tool. Interesting. 👍🏼 looking forward to the tear down.

[@mercury0214]

Sees title: BOOST Me:👀👀

[@HumbleMechanic]

ALL THE BOOST!

[@jeezsjadedwasteds1387]

SEND RODS TO THE MOON

[@mercury0214]

jeezs JadedWastedS13 fix it, THEN MORE BOOST!

[@mercury0214]

HumbleMechanic THE BOOST!

[@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny]

Thank you for this great vidjayo! It comes at the best of times (a glorious V12 waiting in the garage for the post-purchase inspection, if that is a thing), and your explanations are clear enough even for me. Keep up the good work, and keep making these very informative and enjoyable vidjayos!

[@AdarisTempest]

Really great and informative video. Always a pleasure to watch a real professional work.

[@jokerscape]

I also love tests and fault finding it’s necessary so why not learn to enjoy it

[@carlosmarquez3844]

Oh maaaan, i learned soo much today!!! Didn't knew the last running compression test! Really deep way to diagnose a car down to the bones! Thanks Charles! BOOOOOOST!!!

[@gtigio5067]

Tomorrow a year ago a got my MK4 r32 and it’s about to reach 80k miles and I’m hearing some noises so it’s time for a check up aswell, awesome video!!

[@witchcraftauto]

This is probably absolutely the go to video for anyone wanting to boost their ride. Amazing content. How much time do you think a less experienced guy would take to check all this out? Would you recommend setting aside a full weekend?

[@mattward5650]

We need more vr6 content there is nothing on KZbin. Performance and maintenance would be nice.

[@lesnellett]

Yes!

[@nokoolaid]

What a great informational video. I learned a couple things today.

[@kinglouiesshed8995]

I feel like you listened although I’m sure 1000s of other also requested this. I’m loving it so far and have just took my 24v 4 mo off the road for a overhaul 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@IIGrayfoxII]

1:15 is that a crack in the coolant tank where the sensor connector is? Instead of removing the fuse. Fully press the accelerator and use Clear Flood Mode

[@Random-nf7qb]

1:40 the 1996 and newer only applies to north america. In Europe, E-OBD wasn't mandated until 2000, for MY2001

[@HumbleMechanic]

Good call!

[@redryder1146]

Thank you so much for your videos i am learning quite a bit from them I am a first time Volkswagen owner a2010 passat

[@Kyle900t]

Interesting and informative! Cheers!

[@eduardobernalcaetano662]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything that you do. I have a vr6 and I have a litle problem with oil consumption so I'm trying to figure it out the problem before jumping on the conclusion like let's rebuild the engine. Soo thx man I'm gonna do the test and se what do I get

[@bcredeur97]

I can tell you having the throttle open on your miata will make a difference for a compression test. At least it does on mine. I think it just has something to do with the old cable/idle air valve design.

[@vern1252]

So happy your boosting this R32. Asked you years ago to boost the blue R32. Can't wait to see the secondary air pump delete😉😁

[@HumbleMechanic]

100% why I’m boosting this one. Haha

[@YourFilmGuy]

Awesome info!! I wanna run these tests on mine just for the hell of it. haha

[@weyland1000]

Loving the R32 content dude . I’m not good at mechanics but I love to learn . Looking forward to the Black R32 build 👍

[@Saltyoldguy-]

Hey Charles, my 24v Turbo VR has blocks 208/209 reading -12/-13. Now I do have a headspacer in the motor so I am running 9:1 compression. I'm wondering if these numbers are correct for a spaced head or if I was off a tooth when I did chains? Love the vids and excited to see what you do with this car!

[@christophersnyder4354]

Hey Mr. Humblemechanic, so awesome that you did the chain evaluation. I was wondering if this able to be done on a mk5 r32? with obdeleven. 🤙 can't thank you enough for the amazing content. keep up the knowledge!

[@HumbleMechanic]

YES! I will actually be doing a deeper dive on chains too. There is actually more you can do with the scan tool to be sure you're good, or not good.

[@jacobscutzlas8712]

OBDeleven can pretty much do everything VCDS can. I can confirm it can check the cam angle on my v8 fsi touareg. So I don't see why it could not on other VWs.

[@-Dash-]

Great video with great info, cheers Charles.

[@nickmofidi3429]

Should there be a certain degree of vacuum in the crankcase at idle? How would you be able to tell if a PCV valve was causing too much crankcase vacuum? Ive heard a certain amount of vacuum read from lets say the dipstick tube or oil cap is normal if it is around a pound of vacuum or 5 IN Hg.

[@ebperformance8436]

On my 3800 series 2 sc read 150 on all cylinders” cold with engine out of car...I install a multilayered head gasket that’s design to lower compression on the engine cyl 1 152psi Cyl 3 150psi Cyl 5 152psi Cyl2 150psi Cyl 6 152psi Cyl 4 150 psi I had no throttle body on. Is my engine heathy for a turbo....used to be supercharged

[@mbk1487]

Excellent video as always, Charles! After watching them, I can’t help but think that most mechanics aren’t nearly as thoughtful and thorough. Can I bring you my A3 VR6 to turbo? I wants the boosts!

[@slicknickwc]

Great video! Please do a VW coolant flush video soon! I have 4 VW and most have the wrong coolant in them and I want to correct this.

[@pjay3028]

Absolutely brilliant video, thanks

[@Caesars89]

Wow, this was such a gem 💎 to me.

[@corradokid90]

When you pull the motor are you going to describe what things will look like if they are bad??? My Corrado won't run on her own right now to do these tests. I want to pull the motor and do an engine tear down and inspection before i decide if I'm building the stock motor that i have, or if I'm going to need an engine swap. Keep the AWESOME videos coming Charles

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh yeah!!!

[@VladoT]

Great video as always 😀

[@CoreMaster111]

I have oil in the inlet manifold lubricating air movement.

[@stephenprice7502]

Nice informative video Charles. 👍

[@JoediyLab]

Hey Charles, Did some googling, cannot find which measure blocks apply if you have a timing belt instead of a chain, such as in the FSI, BPY engine. Thanks as always.

[@muznick]

[@rodcosta2345]

Great as always!

[@patinaautosalon]

Would you be comfortable doing a gas pedal spacer? I’m thinking about clipping and drilling out the oem pedal mounting points and just fabbing a plate to move the pedal closer to the same distance from my foot as the break pedal and just putting new extended bolts and locking nuts.

[@tompeterson3210]

Great teaching video!👍

[@matte8441]

Thoughts on the 1.4L engine found in the current non-performance Golfs? And I do plan on increasing it’s hp in the future.

[@michaelkirkpatrick7239]

charles I need some help and I think your the guy to do it. I have a 2017 golf R that keeps needing radio replacements. first the navigation stops working then the screen will go blank and restart from time to time then sometimes after turning car off and opening to door the radio will continue to play for various lengths of time. a little bit of time later just won't do anything right like make a phone call or check status of the car performance screen. the radio has already been replaced 3 times and is acting ip again please help if you can thank you Michael Kirkpatrick

[@dewiz9596]

6:00 or so. . . 300 feet altitude. . . well (pilot here). . . that really depends on the weather. If you have Hurricane Hugo bearing down on you. . . you’re probably at an equivalent 2300 ft altitude. Pack up the gauges; get the hell out of there.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahhahahah yeah I’m out at that point. The gauge is like $30. I’ll leave it behind

[@COOKYE203]

ayyo love the vids!!

[@pospc2]

I know from experience that solid numbers across the board but down about 25psi (this isn't a garenteed value!!!)in only 1 cylinder is a problem. Investigation with a bore scope showed a nearly perfectly spotless piston. Pulled the head and sure enough the fire ring was burned in 2 spots.

[@elijahkeith5766]

would you check the same blocks for timing check on a 2002 passat?

[@itstrenttv]

Nice vid, I love how you mentioned the altitude. But 30psi stock motor vr 😬

[@HumbleMechanic]

I still plan on doing a few engine mods and a refresh

[@Motovlogher]

Hi mate, i have a question for you you can help me ? I have a vw passat b6 2.0 tdi 2007 I have a bad shaking in neutral in cabin car run fine no dash error light no tester error , I replaced injector i cek the engine mount and there are fine ,but I don't find the problem can you help me

[@patrickvanherk]

Chains stretching is actually more common than most people think. Chains are not really "maintenance free" :)

[@laalaa99stl]

Does the VCDS chain MB work for MKV FSI/BPY which has a belt for timing and chain for the camshafts? I'm just a VCDS Padawan. There's so much I still don't know!

[@jayburrell]

Awesome video thanks 👍

[@nickolastiguan]

Is the VR6 in the Atlas today, similar to the ones in your R32s? Thanks.

[@cgold88]

Hi Charles! Is there a similar block on the B5.5 1.8T? Tried 208/209 and wasn’t this. Thanks!

[@brianpearson2532]

Wasn’t the warm cranking compression test high for most cylinders or am I reading your spreadsheet wrong? If it’s high, doesn’t that indicate significant carbon fouling on the pistons and head?

[@matiz33]

Unfortunately, on some transversely mounted V6 it is impossible to make a running compression test because you need to remove a intake manifold to reach a rear bank spark plugs

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep! That is no fun at all.

[@KSSilenceAU]

@@HumbleMechanic Seems to be more of an issue on newer engines with plastic Manifolds. My 1995 Maxima with its VQ30DE engine, has cast ally runners, and it has gaps between the runners to access the rear cylinder spark plugs with manifold in place, so shes very easy to test. My Mothers 2010 Maxima though, with a VQ25DE, has plastic intake runners, and there is webbing between the runners for strength. so to get at the rear bank, atleast to connect the garage, the manifold must come off. Go figure.....

[@adelkheir]

What to do if there's a lower compression in one cylinder of about 20 psi less especially if there's only a 5 psi increase when adding oil to that cylinder.

[@charlesdavid5137]

Hey Charles, super cool video, nice to know the weak points. I've got an older 3.0 V6 BGN, thinking boost would be a lot of fun, if I disassembled my recently installed timing belt/components, do I have to replace the entire tensioner assy since it has a torque to yield bolt? I can't seem to find a replacement by itself?

[@timdaparma2020]

On the tsi engines isn't it +5 -5 for chain wear?

[@jeenyusrentalssnow]

Awsome video ...Can’t wait for more !! Question : Is it possible to have VCDS for Mac ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes and no. You can run it with Bootcamp. It works awesome. If I’m not doing screen recording for a video that’s what I do. I HATE my PC laptop

[@jeenyusrentalssnow]

HumbleMechanic excellent ! I’ll purchase BootCamp. Can’t wait to check the engine’s health on my r32 mk4 red tornado 🌪!!

[@ifell3]

A very helpful video, just brought a vacuum gauge thank you, can you add a volume gauge when editing aha

[@MX-rp4em]

I'm thinking about buying Peugeot 207 gti but seller says one cylinder have no compression. Is it safe like bend valves or bad piston rings or gasket or does anyone think it's a no go? Accept answers from all.

[@brianswille]

Hey Charles #HumbleMechanic HELP , I have a BEW TDI, do you have any Leak Down kit, for diesel, suggestions? I already have a ProPoint diesel compression tester from Princess Auto ( live in Canada) Can these adapters work with a gas Leak Down kit or would you have another suggestion that is cheapish from Amazon or something? Please and Thank You Love your channel it has been hugely helpful!

[@andrewmiller4887]

Do these tests stay the same with a engine already making boost but I’m prepared to throw more boost at it. A mk6 Gti on Stg1 APR and I’m wanting to go to Stg2 ?

[@takeomack2782]

Hey Charles, does the VAG check on chain wear work with the W8, if so what 2 measuring blocks? ❤️ the video bro!!! 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

What up dude!!! I’m sure you can. It’s probably the same MVB. But I’ve never looked on a W8

[@apachelives]

Heh for any normal non euro car, usually the more clapped out the engine is the better it will take boost - rings worn? Good because it needed extra gapping anyhow.

[@ttrs_8j_ss494]

If the spread is more then 3 between the chains its bad?

[@TonyJer04]

Hello, great video. When should I perform all those tests? Where should I get the information on what the test results should be? I have the factory service manual. Should that carry it or is it in a book that discusses all that you are talking about?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Factory repair manual is key. I also have some links to good info you can use too

[@TonyJer04]

@@HumbleMechanic Thank you. I have a lot to learn.

[@heartyoutube306]

Hey show the people that cool little flapper mod trick to make the exhaust sound better

[@HumbleMechanic]

Are there any left with out the Flapper mod? LOL

[@mariorepetto185]

Hey humble I was noticing rpm pulsating on idol rpm idol is around 700 but it will drop down to 600 I did remove the exhaust pipe from cat back would that be an issue and is that idol pulsating fine

[@corradokid90]

Or can i do the vacuum tests without the car being able to start??? The fuel pump isn't working in the car right now

[@kspiegz]

Does the chain “stretch” diagnosis in VCDS work for 4 cylinder vws?

[@CoreMaster111]

I can check it out on my 1.2 TSI CBZA.

[@jbeasy278]

Charles, do you know if the idle stabilization values can be seen on a snap on scan tool by chance?

[@jbeasy278]

Update, using expert mode you can, however the values were different, it showed a min of .5 and max of 1.0, not sure if you have to set the values or if It just needs translated per-say. All i know is one of the two cams was jumping from min to max which is kind of alarming lol.

[@joeyreed5439]

Hi Charles, great video as always, does the info and diagnosis also relate to the 2.0 tfsi / tsi engines ??

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. The numbers might be slightly different, but this is pretty much applicable to any engine.

[@joeyreed5439]

@@HumbleMechanic thanks Charles, much appreciated

[@AliA-jr3iv]

I have 100psi on one cylinder when i add oil go to 140psi What would that tell me ?

[@4BillC]

I'm new to VAG and need some direction. I have an 01 Audi and a VCDS. Where do I find all the information I need to recode things, and what measuring blocks are what? When I read the engine, VCDS tells me it's AWT (I Think), mine is AWM and from a different year! My MAF is jacked up. It says something about missing information from my cluster... Idk! Help!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ross tech has a forum and a wiki. That’s one of my first stops

[@macgyver15147]

Cylinder 1 and 2 have higher enough compression than the rest of the engine to worry me. I would guess carbon build up on the piston. Before boosting the engine I would try to clean it up a bit without taking apart the engine like sea foam or something. Hi compression and carbon can cause hot spots that lead to detonation when boost is added

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. The whole engine will be getting torn down and fresher

[@dubCanuck1]

Do those measuring blocks for chain wear work for a 12v too?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not as far as I know. You might be able to find some timing stuff on the 12v. Since that engine is t a variable timing engine. It doesn’t monitor like the 24v

[@Simpleman1078]

Such a GREAT teacher! You really should put it a series on PATREON 👏👏👏👏

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Excellent

[@ilvtofo]

What would a 'refresh' entail?

[@HumbleMechanic]

In this case, it will be all bearings, valve job, and some other performance fun times for boost.

[@LemonSalmon1]

Would it be worth boosting an engine over 300k kms given it passes all tests?

[@only88mph]

Is the 12V VR6 AAA engine have idle stabilization spec?

[@HumbleMechanic]

no they dont have any timing correction

[@dubCanuck1]

@@HumbleMechanic AFP?

[@j.m.5995]

My AAA VR6 has 115 psi compression on avg across all 6 holes ☹️

[@marioosa]

How was it driving with this compression?

[@aaronteague7480]

So my chains are at -4 & -5 should I change them? I ask because Its boosted 😕

[@aaronteague7480]

Soooo...? What you think man?

[@cammz3]

@@aaronteague7480 change in 10k miles if you aren't bothered by a bit of rough running towards the end of the interval. 8KW is advised as the 'safe maximum', where greater would mean an exponentially higher risk of failure. -4 and -5 is considered an early stage of concern. If you have the money you might as well do it sooner rather than later, though. This is the spine of the engine - if it goes, you'll probably need a whole new one.

[@askazing]

You sir, are a good bastard!

[@dewiz9596]

I’m waiting for your test on razor blades. . .😀

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha

[@Jacobskii91]

Thank you 😭