Compression tester. What size fitting do i need?

[master hec0]

im going to test compression on my dads 2001 ranger
what size of fitting do i need for the sparkplug holes?
one comes with 12mm and 14 mm adapters
and the other tester comes with 14mm and 18mm adapters
will any of these work?

 

[scotts90ranger]

14mm is right, so either should work.

if you have an air compressor, look at the fittings on the two testers and see if either has the same quick release fittings that your compressor has, if you ever have to change valve stem seals it will come in handy, I didn't do that and have to borrow the one from work when I need to change valve stem seals...

 

[Will]

What Scott means is that you should, with your new compression tester, aquire the means to introduce air into the cylinder through the plug hole with a compressor. This allows you to pop the valve keepers and springs off, using the air to hold the valves up, so you can change worn seals. Another thing it allows is that if you don't do well on the compression test you can hook the compressor up to the plug hole, move the cylinder to TDC and figure out which part of the engine is the most whipped. If it is howling air out of the oil fill, it's the rings. For instance.

 

[master hec0]

alright thanks. i got the one that was 14mm and 18mm but it did not have a air compressor fitting. im just testing compression as a precaution i don't think i will find anything but you never know.

 

[greaseyfingers]

14mm is right, so either should work.

if you have an air compressor, look at the fittings on the two testers and see if either has the same quick release fittings that your compressor has, if you ever have to change valve stem seals it will come in handy, I didn't do that and have to borrow the one from work when I need to change valve stem seals...

What brand and style valve spring compressor have you found that works best for changing the valve seals, from your experience, while the head remains on the engine?

And, how much did it cost?

 

[scotts90ranger]

on a 2.3? two long strong screwdrivers or small prybars, the OMC spring compressor doesn't fit the roller followers very well, we have one at work and I ended up with the prybars against the cam. I haven't done valve stem seals on any other ford engine, but for the rest I've tried that compressor that clamps the spring from the outside and pushes down in the middle, that one works decent for the $10 or $15