How-To: Choose and Use a Diesel Compression Tester

Compression tests have always been a go-to for uncovering any issues that an engine might have, and diesel engines are no exception to this rule.

At first glance, it seems like the testing procedure is very similar between gasoline engines and diesels, however testing compression on a diesel does have different requirements, procedures and tooling (namely adapters and high pressure gauges).

The biggest difference you’ll run into when testing a diesel is the pressures that these engines produce. They’re a great deal higher than a regular gasoline combustion engine, which means your test gauge will have to be able to take a greater PSI reading. I recommend going with at least a 1,000 PSI gauge in order to accurately read your cylinder pressures, many regular gauges only go up to 300 PSI which just won’t cut it.

Best Test Gauge for Diesels

This is the best option that I’ve found for a reasonably priced, high quality test gauge that reads up to 1,000 PSI (or 70 bar) which is what you’ll need for a diesel. Keep in mind that this is for the gauge only, you’ll also need to grab the correct adapter kit for your truck, if you keep scrolling I have the most popular adapters listed below.

OTC 5021 Universal Diesel Engine Compression Gauge

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as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• Works on any diesel engine
• Test compression up to 1000 psi and 7000 kPa
• Include a check valve push button compression release and a quick disconnect fitting on the hose end
• Straight and 45 degree hose connectors are included
• Determination of damage by impact tools is subject to SPX evaluation and discretion

Diesel Compression Test Kit

If you’re a professional mechanic or just someone that works on more than one type of truck, you’ll probably want to get a test kit that already includes the adapters for all the most popular diesels, instead of buying them piece by piece.

14 Piece Diesel Compression Tester Set for Cars, Trucks, Tractors

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as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• Swivel-end quick-coupler allows quick and easy connection of adapters
• 0-1000 PSI/0-70 bar gauge with release valve and 14.5” long hose
• Weight: 11.35 lbs.
• Carbon steel construction. Hardened tips. High-pressure hose
• Chrome-plated gauge

7.3L Powerstroke Adapter Kit

On the 7.3 compression testing is best done by removing the glow plugs and inserting the special adapter shown here:

S&G Tool Aid 35250 Diesel Engine Tester Adapter

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as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• DIESEL TESTER ADAPTER FOR 7.3L POWER STROKE FORD & NAVISTAR

6.0L and 6.4L Powerstroke Adapter Kit

The 6.0 is just like the 7.3 as far as removing the glow plugs to test. You’ll need this adapter for the 6.0:

OTC 6660 Compression Tester Adapter

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as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• Compression Tester Adapter
• Use with OTC number 5021 diesel engine compression gauge works on 2003-2006 Ford vans and trucks with 60L diesel engines
• Works on 2003-2006 Ford vans and trucks with 6.0L diesel engines

5.9 Cummins Adapter Kit

All the years of the 5.9 require the injectors to be pulled in order to perform a compression test. This adapter replaces the removed injector with the 1/8 NPT fitting that works with most gauges.

Lang Tools TU-15-26 Diesel Compression Adapter (Injector)

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as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• For use with Lang TU-15 Diesel Compression Tester
• Applications: Cummins (1998-2002) 5.9L ISB and Dodge/Cummins (1998-2009) 5.9L ISB

2005+ 6.6L Duramax Adapter

This adapter threads into the glow plug hole of your Duramax and features a quick release connector to plug into a gauge.

Lang Tools TU-15-38 Diesel Adapter - 6.6L Duramax

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Amazon

as of August 8, 2020 9:24 pm

Features

• Lang DIESEL COMPRESSION TEST ADAPT (LNG-TU-15-38)

Testing Procedure

Depending on which engine you have the test procedure will vary in details, but the overall procedure is similar for most engines:

• Disable fuel injection
• Remove all glow plugs to reduce compression resistance
• Use the correct adapter to thread into the glow plug hole
• Attach the test gauge to the adapter
• Verify that ignition is disabled to prevent engine from starting
• Using a test jumper or remote switch, activate the starter directly
• Crank the engine for 4-5 revolutions
• Read and record the final PSI on the gauge
• Repeat for all cylinders and compare pressures

Compression PSI Specifications/Ranges

I’ve put together the PSI ranges that you should be looking for when doing your compression test. Keep in mind that a lot of these are the specifications for these engines when new or rebuilt. Engines with a lot of miles will naturally have lower PSI because of all the wear and tear.

Generally speaking, you’ll always want to look for the relative compression readings for all of the cylinders comparatively. A huge red flag is more than 75% difference between the individual cylinders.

Ford

• 7.3  365-475 psi is the acceptable range for the 7.3L Powerstroke.

• 6.0 375-425 psi is the acceptable range for the 6.0L Powerstroke.

• 6.4 340-375 psi is the acceptable range for the 6.4L Powerstroke.

Dodge

• 5.9 6BT The minimum psi spec for the 6BT is 350 psi.

Chevy/GM

• LB7 Minimum 350 psi.
• LLY Minimum 350 psi.
• LBZ Minimum 350 psi.
• LMM Minimum 350 psi.
• LML Minimum 350 psi.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has been helpful in answering any questions that you might have had about compression testing your diesel. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!