How to Check Your Two Stroke Engine for Compression
The two stroke engine was invented in 1881 and has been used for a number of different devices since that time including mini-bikes, outboard motors and generators. It completes the normal combustion cycle in one step, but can be stalled by any loss of compression.
When the compression is not sufficient to move the pistons, the engine will not operate properly. The first step to fixing the problem is diagnosing the cause of the problem. In order to do this, you will need a compression tester. It has a gauge that measures the pounds per square inch (PSI) of compression. Checking the PSI levels lets you know the nature and severity of your compression problems.
Directions:
- Take out the spark plugs after you have accessed the motor. Make sure that the spark plugs have the proper grounding, such as against the case for the engine.
- Utilize a compression tested. It is screwed into the hole where the spark plug was removed from a moment earlier.
- Operate the motor in order to check the compression. Start the motor and let it move over while checking the instruments on your compression tester's gauge. If it does not have at least 100 PSI, it is not able to work correctly.
- Reset the numbers on the gauge by adjusting the compression tester's release valve. You will then need to remove the tester from the hole for the spark plug the way you put it on, unscrewing it. You can check each of the other spark plug holes as well.