Relative Compression Testing for Gasoline Engines
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ScribdTranslationsRelative Compression Testing for Gasoline Engines
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsRelative compression: gasoline
PicoScopeandPicoDiagnostics
Although it is possible to measure the relative compression with PicoScope, it is more
easy, in most cases, to use the compression test
relative embedded in PicoDiagnostics. PicoDiagnostics is supplied
with all our diagnostic equipment.
Figure 1
Howtoconnecttheoscilloscopewhendoing
relativecompressiontestsinanengine
gasoline
Connect thecurrent clampto Channel A.
The clamp must be placed on one of the two battery connections (on
live or from the earth), which facilitates the connection more, as shown in
Figure 1.
Thecurrent clampIt must be on and oriented towards the
correct side. There is an arrow pointing to the positive pole of the battery
(+) on one side and another arrow pointing to the negative pole of the battery (-
on the other side. If the connection is incorrect the oscilloscope image
it will be inverted.
It may be necessary to make a slight adjustment to the base of
time (ms/division) to compensate for higher start-up speeds
fast or slow.
With the waveform example shown on the screen, now
You can press the spacebar to start seeing real readings.
Exampleofwaveforms
Waveformnotes
The purpose of this waveform is twofold:
On one hand, measure the amperage necessary to start the engine.
On the other hand, evaluate the relative compression.
The amperage required to start the engine will depend greatly
measurement of many factors, including: the engine capacity,
number of cylinders, the viscosity of the oil, the condition of the engine
start, the state of the wiring circuit of the starter motor and the
compression of the cylinders.
The current for a typical 4-cylinder gasoline engine would be
around between 80 and 200 amperes.
In the waveform above, the initial current peak (approx. 460 A)
it is the current necessary to overcome the initial friction and inertia to
turn the engine. When the engine spins, the current decreases. Also
it is important to mention the small step before the initial peak,
caused by the starter motor solenoid switch.
The compressions can be compared with each other by controlling
the current needed to lift each cylinder in its stroke of
compression. The better the compression, the higher the demand
of current and vice versa. Therefore, it is important that the current
it is the same for all cylinders.
The waveform that appears below shows a motor with
compression loss in a cylinder.
NOTE: when performing a compression test on a gasoline engine,
it is recommended to isolate the primary ignition circuit to avoid the
high tension (HT) dispersion that could damage the electronic circuit.
Moreinformation
It is essential for the functioning of the engine to have enough
compression. The compression provided by the piston stroke
will be determined by the swept area that is compressed in the zone
of combustion: this is known as compression ratio. The
Compression is also determined by the effectiveness of the joint.
between the wall of the cylinder and the piston; this joint is held thanks to the
sealing rings. The same happens with the valve seats of
entry and exit.
The piston rings are made of cast iron that
produces a radial pressure forming the seal. The cast iron is
It is also used for its excellent self-lubricating properties.
If a relative compression waveform identifies a problem,
It will be necessary to perform a compression test.
When performing a compression test on a gasoline engine, it is
It is important to fully open the regulating valve to allow
that more air passes into the cylinders.
A typical compression will have values between 120 and 200 psi. A
low compression may be due to:
1. An ineffective joint between the cylinder and the piston.
2. A poor seating of the inlet and outlet valves.
3. Broken or stuck piston rings.
4. Incorrect synchronization of the camshaft.
5. Obstructed intake.
All readings should be similar. If one is lower than the
Moreover, a 'wet' test can be performed by spraying a little of
oil in the cylinder and repeating the compression test. The oil
it guarantees the airtight seal between the piston and the hole, so if it
recovers compression, meaning that the failure is within
the piston sealing rings. If there are hardly any changes, the failure
find inside the valves.
There should be no difference greater than 25% between the readings of
maximum and minimum compression.
Above-average compression may be due to:
Accumulated carbon in the combustion chamber (reducing its area).
Excessive 'rocking' of the head.
3. Incorrect thickness of the head gasket.
Note: it is recommended to deactivate the low voltage starting circuit
to avoid damaging the amplifier of the electronic control module
(ECM).