Compression test without starter

[Bowen]

My '47 H, Arby, is proving himself to be a tired old fella. I'd like to run a compression test but I use a hand crank. How would I go about getting an honest reading without a starter providing the adequate cranking speed?

[ricky racer]

Pull all the spark plugs and spin it over. Take dry readings then put about a tablespoon of oil in each cylinder and try it again for wet readings. You don't need a starter to get the compression readings.

[Eugene]

Do as Ricky says. 4 or 5 compression revolutions (8 or 10 full engine revolutions) per cylinder test.

You will not be able to spin the engine over at 150 rpms. Just as fast as you can. So readings may be a bit low.

Run the tests, record the results. Report back.

[Boss Hog]

you can take one pug out and install the tester and start it up , do the same the the other cylinders
the results with be the same as checking it with the starter, and save your arm