compression tester

[Eoghan]

is it common for the valve on a compression tester to go? i haven't used mine in a couple of years, and when i went to test the cub, the needle bounced but wouldn't build pressure.. kind of annoying because i've only used it a couple of times.

[Eugene]

Short answer. Yes.

I have found that when the schrader valve in the compression tester is below freezing, that it does not work or work well. Once things warmup a bit, above freezing, the compression tester works well.

[Eoghan]

I have found that when the schrader valve in the compression tester is below freezing, that it does not work or work well. Once things warmup a bit, above freezing, the compression tester works well.

Huh.. I never would have thought of that. I'll set it by the wood stove for a little while and see if that helps. It's a cheapo, but i've only used it once before. it sat on the shelf for a while though.

[Jim Becker]

As I recall, when I got my compression tester many years ago it came with a warning to not substitute a Schrader valve from a tire. Even though they look the same, the rubber in one from a tire would be damaged by gasoline and quickly fail. Some of us have old tools of unknown history. Some overseas tool sources use reverse engineering to design their merchandise and may not have read the warning either. I don't know if either of these has relevance in your situation or not.