Author Topic: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?  (Read 2907 times)

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Offline ev0lve

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Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« on: September 02, 2010, 11:25:06 PM »
Anyone know if this thing will fit? Not much lost at $5 - but it'll cost me $3 in gas to get there and back  ::)

http://www.harborfreight.com/flex-drive-compression-tester-92697.html

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2010, 12:49:55 AM »
It'll "work" with an additional 12mm adapter.   :-\
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Online dave500

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2010, 01:57:26 AM »
the accuracy isnt as important as the fact itll show the balance between the cylinders,if your building a hi-po racing engine a leak down tester is used,i think youve spent ten bucks well.has it got instructions?do the test with the engine fully hot,ignition off and throttle wide open,use a car battery jumped to save taxing the little bike one and to keep a consistant reading.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2010, 02:03:40 AM by dave500 »

Offline fmctm1sw

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2010, 05:26:01 AM »
I'm pretty happy with their leakdown tester, worked right out of the box.
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Offline ev0lve

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2010, 08:17:32 AM »
It'll "work" with an additional 12mm adapter.   :-\

 ;D That was what I was wondering.

Offline Duanob

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2010, 08:49:45 AM »
No it won't work! I've had that same one for a couple of years. When I bought my CB550 I was disappointed it wouldn't fit. I just bought the one for $19.99 that has the right adaptor.

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-connect-compression-tester-95187.html
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Offline Alan F.

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2010, 04:52:11 PM »
I picked this one up for $13 http://www.harborfreight.com/compression-test-kit-66216.html
It has the correct adapter, but as has been mentioned it isn't accurate for motorcycle applications.
As mentioned earlier it will show evidence (or lack of) consistency in compression from cylinder to cylinder.
Alan

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2010, 07:17:02 PM »
Why wouldn't it be "accurate" for a mc application?  Do mean to say the guage may not measure spot on?  Seems to have the right size adapter
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Offline Alan F.

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2010, 07:29:28 PM »
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=369.msg476032#msg476032

This FAQ entry explains it correctly. 
Cheers.
Alan

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2010, 07:33:51 PM »
So if I'm understanding that right, the guage won't be accurate because 1. It will display differences in compression too drastically, and 2.  The hose adds volume that the Honda tool didn't?
« Last Edit: September 03, 2010, 07:35:49 PM by fastbroshi »
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Offline Alan F.

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Re: Harbor Freight Compression Tester - works on SOHC?
« Reply #10 on: September 03, 2010, 08:14:52 PM »
Yeah, the HF ones will work but unless designed for a bike they'll just read low.