TEST 2: Wet Compression Test
The 'Wet' engine compression test will help us find out if the low engine compression test result is due to bad piston rings or bad cylinder head valves.
This test simply involves adding a small amount of motor oil to the low compression cylinder and repeating the compression test.
At the bottom, I'll show you how to interpret your test results.
OK, this is what you'll need to do:
- 1
Add a tablespoon (or two) of engine oil in the cylinder you need to retest. I suggest using a small and long funnel so that the oil will reach the inside of the cylinder.
- 2
Once you've added the oil, install the compression gauge, and as before just hand tighten it.
- 3
Now, have your helper crank the engine till the needle stops climbing on the compression gauge.
- 4
As before, your job is to keep an eye on the gauge, and you'll see one of two results:
1.) The needle will climb higher than the previous compression number you recorded for this specific cylinder.
2.) The needle will not move at all or stay at the same number you recorded earlier.
What ever value your compression tester reads, write it down again. - 5
If you have another cylinder that needs to be tested, repeat steps 1 thru' 4 on it now.
Let's take a look at what your compression test results mean:
CASE 1: The compression value shot up for the low compression cylinder. This test result confirms that the low compression value registered in this cylinder in the dry test is due to worn piston rings.
The reason the compression value shot up is due to the fact that the motor oil you just added helped the piston rings to create a tighter seal. This type of test result only happens when the problem is due to worn piston rings.
CASE 2: Your compression value DID NOT shoot up (stayed the same). This result tells you that the low compression value registered in this cylinder (in the dry test) is due to worn/damaged cylinder head valves.
More 2.0L Ford Diagnostic Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 2.0L Ford Escort (Focus) tutorials in these two indexes:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Fuel Injectors (2.0L Ford Escort).
- MAF Sensor Test 2.0L Escort, Tracer (1997-2002).
- How To Test The Ford EGR Valve EGR Vacuum Solenoid, DPFE Sensor.
- How To Test The Crankshaft Position Sensor (Ford 1.9L, 2.0L) (at troubleshootmyvehicle.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
