North American Turbocoupe Organization



Tester didn't work...washing clothes now
Thor Power Offline
Senior Member
#1
My 3rd '88 5sp T-Bird was running somewhat good. Had it on the road for 2 weeks. Didn't drive it hard due to downpipe was cut then put back together by coupler, no EGR tube, upgraded T3, old tires, but made it to and from San Antonio, TX via Austin, TX.

Going to work one morning, I had been driving for approx 15min, then my car started rattling. (like the sound of overheating or bad gas). Had to pull over because it died on me. It wasn't overheating and I could fire it back up. One mechanics stated it sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders only.

Fast Forward: I needed to do a compression check (praying it wasn't a burnt valve)so the tester's part that screws in the spark plug was too shot. Tester came from Harbor Freight. So my question is (1)where do u guys buy a compression tester that fits' our T-Birds engine block, and (2) what is the corret/best way to do a compression test on our 'Birds? (whew..long...gotta seperate the clothes...)
88 Sports "Thor" disassembled
88 Grey 5spd Turbocoupe "Hooptie" ('09 Calendar) Parted out & crushed.(Tbird Heaven)
88 Black 5spd Turbocoupe Parted out & crushed. (Tbird Heaven)
88 Red 5spd Turbocoupe (newest member)
02 Lincoln Continental (road warrior)
06 Mercury Grand Marguis (custom duals like the Marauder)
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#2
Compression Testing here: http://www.turbotbird.com/techinfo/Compr...n_Test.htm

I got mine at a parts store, don't remember which one, it's old.
Pete Dunham


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etc1006 Offline
Member
#3
I remember seeing someone making one from an old spark plug even.
-Eric
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Thor Power Offline
Senior Member
#4
Thanks. I might have a problem in warming up the engine first before I do this. What happens if I do this on a cold engine. Also, don't I have to remove the plug wire from the ignition coil and fuel pump relay?
88 Sports "Thor" disassembled
88 Grey 5spd Turbocoupe "Hooptie" ('09 Calendar) Parted out & crushed.(Tbird Heaven)
88 Black 5spd Turbocoupe Parted out & crushed. (Tbird Heaven)
88 Red 5spd Turbocoupe (newest member)
02 Lincoln Continental (road warrior)
06 Mercury Grand Marguis (custom duals like the Marauder)
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#5
Yeah remove the coil wire. The test should be done on a warm engine. Doesn't have t be full operating temp but you want the walls and rings to seal
Pete Dunham


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tr_guy79 Offline
Senior Member
#6
I do agree with Pete that it should be warm to properly test the engine.

I will add though, that a compression check on a cold engine can be useful to find a dead, or nearly dead cylinder. If you cannot warm it up, do the compression test anyway. Do not pay any mind to the numbers, but concentrate on does each cylinder have compression. If they all test high enough that the engine should run without misfires (I wanna say above 80psi on cold test), then you know you need to look elsewhere for what is causing it to not run...

Just my $.02 YMMV
3rd Annual Philly Tri-State NATO Meet - http://natomessageboard.com/ultimatebb.p...p=1#000003

'87 - Range Roller 4* adv / 50 trim t04e / Ported E6 / Gutted Knifed intake / Stinger 3->2.5" / Adj. Cam Pulley / Warlboro 255

To Do: PIMP/MS2, FMIC, Bigger Inj
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TurboCoupe50 Offline
Posting Freak
#7
A good engine that's cold doesn't usually test that much lower than a warm one... Expect a 20-30% drop, and mainly look at uniformity between the cylinders... Two or three cylinders at 100 lb and the other(s)at 50 lb throws a warning flag even on a cold engine...

I know your pain on the compression gauge, mine won't fit a TC head with the recessed threads... My solution is use a 14mm anti-fouler for the long reach plugs as a adapter... It has full threads on the upper and lower portions so works fine... Guessing they are probably a bit hard to find these days...
1988 Turbo Coupe331 AOD

1972 Comet GT

1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 4-Speed
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