Coolant Loss - Page 4

ShadowLvr400 · #46 (**permalink**) 11-15-03, 08:50 AM

Thursday she gets compression tested. I'm just hating having to go to a dealership for that, because I, and none of my friends, have the tools for a compression test.

elwesso · #47 (**permalink**) 11-15-03, 10:08 AM

Autozone will probably have the stuff you need to do it! And cheaper than the dealership......

zonie77 · #48 (**permalink**) 11-15-03, 10:52 AM

I would encourage you to buy the tools and learn to do some things yourself.
You have your occupation as a student, here's an extra credit class!

You can buy the tools for less than an hour of dealer time. Sears has tool sets on sale this weekend! Compression tester is about $20.

zonie77 · #49 (**permalink**) 11-15-03, 10:59 AM

If you reconsider and do it yourself (or with friends) let us know...I will give you a little more info if you feel you need it.

ShadowLvr400 · #50 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 11:50 AM

Oh really?!? I thought the compression testers were kinda pricey. If Sears sells them, I'm in good shape. Have a Sears Card, so get a discount as well. I think I'll call them, someone post on how to do a compression test please.

zonie77 · #51 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 01:48 PM

Read post 36 in this thread. I told you how to do it there.

zonie77 · #52 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 02:14 PM

Also get a small tube of antisieze compound for the plugs. It protects the threads in the head.
Get a tube so you can seal it and keep it, the little rip open packs make a mess if you keep them.

DaveSmed · #53 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zonie77

You'll need a compression tester with a screw in hose(because the spark plugs are recessed into the head) and a sparkplug socket, 3/8drive ratchet, and extension (about 6"). It makes sense to buy a set that has all of this.

I'd just like to emphasize this a little more. The screw in type are the best kind to get in ANY application, but they are a necissity on the Northstar. The other type is basically a cork that has a pressure gauge on it. You have to hold it in the spark plug hole while the engine is cranking. Not fun.

zonie77 · #54 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 02:44 PM

Thanks Dave,
The spark plugs are recessed in a N*. Get the compression tester that has an extension tube that screws in the hole, then the gauge itself locks on that tube.
That one should be somewhere between $20-30.

zonie77 · #55 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 02:48 PM

Another clarification. I might have made it sound like the compresion tester and the other tools would come in a set. The sockets and ratchet will be a set (make sure it has a spark plug socket) and the compression tester is seperate.

ShadowLvr400 · #56 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 02:58 PM

Arg!!! I have the tools, and I just lost the head for the spark plug. Plug 8 is locked on there so tightly I can't free it, and it's now got the head for my socket stuck on there, pulled from the bar.
Also, I created a chatroom in AiM called Phils Repairs Feel free to join it and make fun of me.

Fin' plug is in there tight! My lugs were easier to free. Hey..... I wonder if I can get that kind of leverage......

zonie77 · #57 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 03:06 PM

The back is a real pain and you can lose stuff if it falls, I hate to make this too complicated but you're gonna have to jack up the car if you can't find it. If the plugs havn't been out before they get corroded in. That's why I recommended the antisieze.
After you find the socket tap the ratchet with a hammer. Hold the extension steady while you do that. I prefer to use light taps with a heavy hammer.

zonie77 · #58 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 03:08 PM

Where's that chat room?

zonie77 · #59 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 03:10 PM

I think I misunderstood. The socket is stuck on the plug?
try setting the ratchet to tighten and tap the handle to loosen. It may be slipping and angling on the plug.

ShadowLvr400 · #60 (**permalink**) 11-16-03, 03:12 PM

AOL Instant Message, if you have it, my AiM name is ShadowLvr400 And cylinder 8 is the front driver side, easily accessed. The damn head is stuck on the plug now, in the hole. And don't know that I have any anti seize around here... Think WD 40 would work?...