Tool Pro Compression Tester
Gualtar Pennington
I've had a vintage compression tester that was manufactured in 1923 (i think) and I'm trying to get some 'history' on this thing. It's all stainless steel with a wood pump handle and is in a wooden box with a Model T descriptor on the inside of the box lid. It's driving me crazy to know where it began its life. I've looked/researched on and off for years and have found nothing on it. My grandfather originally had it and then it became mine. Since I'm now 61, I want to find out more about it before I die .
The one I had was nickel plated cast-iron and steel. You pumped up the cylinder thru the spark-plug hole to a set pressure on the gauge and timed how fast it went down. Not as usefull as a modern compression test, but it WAS made in 1923....
Try posting a question to the Model T Ford Club of America's Discussion Forum - you will get a better answer there, and someone will look up the patent info if you supply them that info. Pictures help too...
The Model 2EM Differential Cylinder Pressure Tester combines the features of our popular 2E tester and a Master Orifice into one tool. Now you can conveniently check your engine's leak down rate against its built-in calibrated standard to instantly determine if your engine's cylinder leakage is within the manufacturer's limits. Specifications: Orifice size is .040". precision gauges matched to within /-2%. Includes 18MM Spark Plug Adapter, 24" pressure hose, and complete instructions. Protective form-fitted hard case included. Factory calibrated. Letter of certification available upon request.
A Compression test uses compression testing machines to determine material behavior under constantly increasing compressive loading. Compression tests examine the safety, durability, and integrity of materials and components. Typical applications include compression tests on plastic tubes and plastic pipes, compression test on flexible cellular foam material, compression/crush tests on paper and cardboard, compression spring testing in the metals industry, compression tests in the medical/pharmaceutical field including compression testing of medical implants, stents, syringes or medical packaging, compression and notched compression tests on composites.
A compression testing machine is a universal testing machine (UTM) equipped with application-specific compression test tools or compression platens. The tools are selected and installed in the machine based on criteria such as test type, specimen material and dimensions, test temperature and maximum force values expected.
A compression test, in which the specimen is pressed together is basically the opposite of the tensile test, which pulls the specimen apart. Tests can be performed on machined material specimens or on full-size or scale models of actual components. Common types of compression tests include the top-load (crush) test, flexure (bend) test and spring test.
The compression tools used are in direct contact with the materials to be tested. Therefore they have to be precisely aligned and adapted to the respective applications and requirements. A wide variety of compression test kits are available for all types of tests. These compression tools can be individually adapted to the specific application according to the respective requirements.
Compression test kits normally consist of tow primary components, the upper and lower test tool.compression tool. To use the test tools for as many different tests as possible and with a high level of flexibility, we assembled a wide-ranging, interchangeable and combinable tool portfolio.
The different requirements for individual compression tools and fixtures essentially result from:
Compression platens must be selected with the specific test criteria in accordance with the application in question. Knowing the specimen dimensions and the maximum forces to be expected for the test is critical.
Compression platens can be used for tests up to 250 kN. A distinction is made between round and rectangular platens. All compression platens can be used in a temperature range of -70 ... +250C. The different dimensions of the compression platens are stated as a leading selection criterion for each individual platen.
There are other company-specific standards for compression testing, such as Boeing BSS 7260c and Airbus AITM 1-0010 issue 3 for CAI tests that are also commonly used for compression testing in the aerospace industry.
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The specimen or component is placed between two compression platens installed in the materials testing machine. The machine crossheads move the platens together with a specified force, speed and/or crosshead travel distance. The required values are measured and recorded.
Automotive compression and vacuum testers are available for traditional vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs. Special equipment options are also available for heavy duty and commercial vehicles from brands like Mityvac, Actron, OTC Tools, Matco Tools, Craftsman, Innova, and more. With such a large variety of options, you are sure to find automotive compression and vacuum testers that will suit your needs. A battery tester measures every volt on each probe and can provide a voltage differential that is useful in testing the efficiency of a spark plug. They can measure relative charge in anything for which they are rated.
The main mechanism that detects leaks relies on pressurized air, which is stored in a cylinder. This battery powered device has a gauge that strategically provides measurements. A typical gadget can detect issues that affect a variety of engine components such as piston rings and gaskets.
Professional compression kits include all of the tools that are needed to tackle maintenance tasks for a wet or dry engine. The pieces in a traditional kit can help you detect valves that stick and cylinders with inefficiencies. What specifically comes in your kit will depend on the type of engine it is for.
A general gas engine compression tester kit includes one gauge, a main hose, and an extension hose. The main hose for gasoline engines is half an inch, and an extension hose is typically 14 inches. Both products can be used during easy or advanced maintenance routines because angled and straight fittings are included. Gasoline testers can handle intense maintenance conditions as users can take advantage of the rubberized protector. This accessory prevents environmental damage and is strategically mounted along the edge of the gauge.
Devices built for tractors have hardware that suits diesel engines. Because diesel is a strong energy source, typical items that are designed for diesel equipment are constructed out of commercial-grade steel and copper materials. The gauge in a diesel tester kit usually has chrome-plated housing, and this special coating prevents wear and tear.
Multiple components are featured in a brake bleeder and compression tester bundle. Most automotive product manufacturers package all of these in a convenient case. Pressure and vacuum test units and brake bundles are beneficial because
a) Make sure the Regulator Pressure Valve is backed all the way OUT.
b) Make sure the Cylinder Pressure Valve is OFF or Closed.
c) Remove the protective caps from both ends of the Master Orifice and install the Master Orifice onto the threaded end of the cylinder adapter and tighten hand tight.
d) Connect the cylinder adapter with Master Orifice attached to the female quick connection on the supply hose from the differential test unit.
e) Connect your air source to the tester at the male quick connection fitting.
f) Adjust pressure regulator so regulator pressure gauge reads 80 psi.
g) Turn the cylinder pressure valve to the ON or OPEN position.
h) If necessary, adjust the pressure regulator to maintain a reading of 80 psi on the regulator pressure gauge.
i) Record the pressure reading on the cylinder pressure gauge. This reading is the Minimum Acceptable Pressure Leakage Limit.
j) Turn the cylinder pressure valve to the CLOSED or OFF position.
k) Remove the cylinder adapter and Master Orifice from the female quick connection on the supply hose from the differential test unit.
l) Remove the Master Orifice from the cylinder adapter.
FWIW, it's not just a Continental thing, it's basically a way to set a baseline for the tester, regardless of what you're testing. I use it on Lycomings, too. I think the only difference is that there's a Continental document that mentions it specifically.
If you were literally measuring the compression in a cylinder, you'd be bringing it to the dead bottom center, connect a manometer and turn the prop towards top dead center in the compression stroke and see what pressure you get. That'd be the pressure over 1 atmosphere. No need for a compressor. However, what you're measuring here is actually the leak from the cylinder at the TDC. therefore, the input pressure and the master orifice yield in a regulated airflow in terms of volume per seconds. Then the pressure you see on the other side indirectly shows the leak because if there was no leak, the cylinder would fill up with air at the same pressure as the input but since there are leaks, it's lower. So the output pressure is not a measure of anything per s but rather an indirect indication of the leak.
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