compression guage

egldvrbags

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2007
Messages
105
I'm looking to purchase a good quality compression guage/kit to check the compression on my Merc 4.3 LX 1995.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Dave
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: compression guage

Just get one that has a hose to screw into the spark plug hole. Make sure it comes with adapters for all the different treads.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: compression guage

Ayuh,.........

Sears sells several nice Craftsman's Compression Gauge Kits,.........
 

Benny1963

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
1,476
Re: compression guage

most mid range gauges work if they have proper fittings
as long as they read consitantly
your looking for even readings between cyls no more than 10% DIFF
 

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: compression guage

I got mine at auto zone a couple years ago for 25-30 bucks. I had it compared to a "professional" guage at a local race shop. It was consistantly within 1 psi. Good enough for my needs.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: compression guage

Moving to Boat Topics and Questions (Not Engine)
 

newport dave

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Messages
458
Re: compression guage

If your just going to do a compression check on your own own engine, you don't really need an expensive gauge. It's more about checking for uniformity and making sure your in the ballpark.

I used the craftsman gauge for a few years and it's a decent quality tool, and with all the extra Schrader valves and stuff you get in the kit, it's a good value.

If someone is paying you to do a compression test, and is basing their decision to buy or not buy a boat that may cost tens or even hundereds of thousands of dollars, I would suggest a digital gauge that meets ASME B40.7 Grade A specs.

Dave
 
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