Cylinder Leakage Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Special Tool
J 35667-A Cylinder Head Leakdown Tester
J 39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter
NOTE:
A leakage test may be performed in order to measure cylinder/combustion chamber leakage. High cylinder leakage may indicate one or more of the following:
- Worn or burnt valves
- Broken valve springs
- Stuck valve lifters
- Incorrect valve lash/adjustment
- Damaged piston
- Worn piston rings
- Worn or scored cylinder bore
- Damaged cylinder head gasket
- Cracked or damaged cylinder head
- Cracked or damaged engine block
WARNING:
Refer to BATTERY DISCONNECT CAUTION
.
- Disconnect the battery ground negative cable. Refer to REMOVAL PROCEDURE .
- Remove the spark plugs. Refer to REMOVAL PROCEDURE .
- Rotate the crankshaft to place the piston in the cylinder being tested at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke.
- Thread the J 39313 into the spark plug hole.
- Install the J 35667-A or equivalent.NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the crankshaft balancer bolt to prevent the engine from rotating.
- Apply shop air pressure to the J 35667-A and adjust according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Record the cylinder leakage value. Cylinder leakage that exceeds 25 percent is considered excessive and may require component service. In excessive leakage situations, inspect for the following conditions:
- Air leakage sounds at the throttle body or air inlet hose that may indicate a worn or burnt intake valve or a broken valve spring
- Air leakage sounds at the exhaust system tailpipe that may indicate a worn or burnt exhaust valve or a broken valve spring
- Air leakage sounds from the crankcase, oil level indicator tube, or oil fill tube that may indicate worn piston rings, a damaged piston, a worn or scored cylinder bore, a damaged engine block or a damaged cylinder head
- Air bubbles in the cooling system may indicate a damaged cylinder head or a damaged cylinder head gasket.
- Perform the leakage test on the remaining cylinders and record the values.