86 2.3 Compression test

paulc76 · #1 02-28-2015, 12:45 PM

Hello ranger forum members, I am new to this forum and unfortunately for me, very new to working on engines- so i must apologize in advance. Any direction/knowledge you would take the time to share with me would be greatly appreciated. Here is where I'm at- I've got an 86 2.3 manual/fuel injected truck id lto perform a compression test on, and I don't want to go in uneducated a create more of a problem for myself. First off, I don't have a helper, so I'm hoping it's possible to turn it over myself..?Can anybody confirm that in order to preform the test, I need to: 1. Remove the fuel pump relay (does this mean the fuel shut off switch by the passenger side feet?) 2. Disconnect coil packs to disable the ignition system
3. Remove all exhaust manifold spark plugs at once

If this all seems right- any tips on turning it over by myself?
Thank you very much

stateranger · #2 02-28-2015, 01:20 PM

Pull the fuel pump relay, disconnect the ignition coil, pull all four spark plugs, thread the tester into the spark plug hole, and crank the engine from in the cab while holding the throttle open. You can probably rent a compression tester from your local parts store.

paulc76 · #3 02-28-2015, 01:55 PM

Thank you stateranger- can i do this if I don't have a helper?

stateranger · #4 02-28-2015, 02:46 PM

Yes you can.

paulc76 · #5 02-28-2015, 08:00 PM

Thanks for the info - appreciated

-Ray- · #6 03-01-2015, 04:28 AM

After you crank the engine over a few times, you can get out and go look at the gauge. If it leaks down, then you may need a helper to see what the peak compression is. you can use a camera or some other video device to see the gauge if no help is available. If doesn't leak down, then you can dispense with the need to chase down a leak. If compression is less than 100 lbs. squirt a little oil into the spark plug hole and test again.
You can also rent a remote starter so you just have to push a button to turn the engine over. You can find instructions on how to do that all over the net. It's a great learning tool.

sheltonfilms · #7 03-01-2015, 12:39 PM

You don't have to buy a remote starter.

Just take a piece of scrap wire and attached it to the positive battery terminal and then hold it on the starter relay on your fender apron on the terminal where the Red/Light blue wire connects (remove red/light blue wire first).

This is the low voltage power wire that the ignition uses to activate the relay, you are just taking the ignition switch out of the equation.

NOTE:

Make sure the truck isn't in gear! Otherwise we probably won't hear from you for a while if you catch my drift.

----------

It will be the red/blue wire you see here.

-Ray- · #8 03-02-2015, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheltonfilms

You don't have to buy a remote starter.

Just take a piece of scrap wire and attached it to the positive battery terminal and then hold it on the starter relay on your fender apron on the terminal where the Red/Light blue wire connects (remove red/light blue wire first).

This is the low voltage power wire that the ignition uses to activate the relay, you are just taking the ignition switch out of the equation.

NOTE:

Make sure the truck isn't in gear! Otherwise we probably won't hear from you for a while if you catch my drift.

----------

This is even better.

paulc76 · #9 03-03-2015, 01:55 PM

Thank you @sheltonfilms and @Ray, this is very helpful. Noted on the neutral. Thanks again