How to test your compression

**Smaay** · 10-14-2006, 03:03 PM

I have been seeing alot of questions about compression and how to test, so here is a writeup i did.

Compression Test by Smaay

1. Open hood

2. Remove engine plastics with 5mm Allen Wrench.

3. Plastics removed

4. Reach behind engine to unplug power steering sensor

5. Remove the four 10mm bolts holding coils.

6. Unplug coils

7. Remove the two 10mm nuts holding wiring harness.

8. Lift wiring harness out of the way.

9. Pull all four coils.

Coils removed exposing sparkplugs

9.5 unplug the 4 injectors so they dont squirt.

10. Using 5/8 spark plug socket and suitable extension (6-8 in.) remove and inspect sparkplugs. They should be a copper color like pictured.

Image of compression tester purchased at Autozone/Pep Boys/Kragen/Napa/etc.

11. Screw compression tester into cylinder 1 hand tight.

12. Hold down gas and clutch at the same time, crank engine over about 6 times, until needle stops jumping on compression tester

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkaUtDSdmF4

13. Record results.

14. Release air pressure from tester and repeat for each cylinder.

Straight from the Toyota Manual (BGB)

Compression pressure:
1ZZ-FE 1,500 kPa (15.3 kgf/cm2, 218 psi)
2ZZ-GE 1,400 kPa (14.3 kgf/cm2, 203 psi) or more
Minimum pressure:
1ZZ-FE 1,000 kPa (10.2 kgf/cm2, 145 psi)
2ZZ-GE 1,000 kPa (10.2 kgf/cm2, 145 psi)
Difference between each cylinder:
1ZZ-FE 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm2, 15 psi) or less
2ZZ-GE 110 kPa (1.1 kgf/cm2, 16 psi) or less

15. After test complete, put car back together in reverse order.

16. DONE! Have a beer to celebrate good results, or sulk in sorrows.

edit: this will throw a CEL for misfires. there is a fuse you can pull to prevent it but im not sure which one it is. but just unhook your negative terminal on the battery for 5 minutes and it will reset the CEL. Also the car might have a hard time starting, dont worry, just give it a few more cranks. It will start

JOHN_B · 10-14-2006, 03:10 PM

Nice write up.!

Filegro · 10-14-2006, 03:14 PM

This is awesome. Thanks a lot!

Black_TRD · 10-14-2006, 08:32 PM

Nice How-to. You dont really need to remove the power steering sensor plug and move the coil harness out of the way.

Also you forgot to remove the injector plugs.

mukalicious · 10-14-2006, 10:09 PM

very nice write up.

what should the psi be for 8:1?

**Boosted2.0** · 10-14-2006, 11:24 PM

Bro - you forgot to tell them to unplug the injectors so they don't wash their cylinder walls and wind up blowing fuel out the plug holes.

You also forgot to mention that they will have 4 igniter codes stored in the ECU after this that will need to be erased

Otherwise nice writeup

EuGeNiLe GTS · 10-15-2006, 07:23 PM

You can get a compression tester at walmart also. It's usually cheaper. That's where I got mine. If they sell it at kragen's, etc. Check walmart. It will probably be 25-35% cheaper. Not just compression tester, but other automotive parts. Mobil 1 oil synthetic for 5 quarts is only $20 bucks, cheaper then costco.

And yes very important part is to unplug the fuel system. If there is an easy accessible fuse, that would be the easiest way, if not, unplug them from the harness.

You should also mention you can do a wet test. If compression is low, or 0, put a capful of oil in the cylinder which is low and try again. See if it gets you a bit more compression. If not you got some bent valves, if so, prob. the rings.

**Smaay** · 10-15-2006, 09:16 PM

hey i cant think of everything. Added the information

bt216 · 10-15-2006, 09:19 PM

nice write up!

JoManGT-S · 10-15-2006, 09:25 PM

How much for the compression tester?
And good job with the write up

cicatrize · 10-18-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoManGT-S

How much for the compression tester?
And good job with the write up

$20 at AutoZone

lVlemphizStylez · 10-18-2006, 12:35 PM

210?? is that the optimal for the 2zz?? (just curious, would expect somewhere in the 240 range)

SLVR Stealth · 10-19-2006, 11:36 PM

He showed me this in person and had the info for compression out of the Toyota bible while he was working on his motor on an engine stand Multitasker I tell you. You are god! Jeff is the man! Thanks for the awesome write up makes life easier!

NeXuS-GT · 10-20-2006, 03:20 PM

1. What is the point of removinge the power steering plug? Just wan't to know.
2. If you start the car in WOT (throttle fully open) you do not need to unplug the injector, they will stay shut! In fact this is the way you should start the car if the engine is "drown" for some reason.

vegeta4ss · 10-21-2006, 03:53 AM

nice job smaay, I had seen this done on an accord before but never knew the whole process myself. I'm glad you took the time to do a writeup.

Is there a certain size fitting that the compression gauge has to have in order to fit down in there right and get a proper reading? Or will any 5/8 compression gauge do the job?

homeworld1031tx · 10-23-2006, 04:47 PM

210? isnt that really high? i thought 2zz's were supposed to compress at like 170? Isnt it the atmospheric pressure times the amount of compression, in our case 14.4*12.5=180...isnt that what is is supposed to be?

jackgts · 10-24-2006, 07:42 PM

220, 218, 225, 220 ... thats higher above normal. is that bad?

FrostsCelicaGTS · 10-25-2006, 10:26 PM

180 is supposed to be tops.

infox · 10-27-2006, 12:37 PM

i got about 220 all around, is that right about where it should be?

NeXuS-GT · 10-27-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infox

i got about 220 all around, is that right about where it should be?

Higher compression than stock is often caused by carbon buildup around the valve. Normally you have to take action when the pressure is below the minimum spec or when their is too much difference between cylindre...

But hey... I used my Celica GT for about two years with cylindre 1 at 135PSI and the other at 185PSI. The only drawback was taking an eternity going at 190km/hre... But my problem was only a bent valve so who cares..

VoodooTRD · 10-27-2006, 03:02 PM

nice write up. thanks for showing the boards!

infox · 11-06-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeXuS-GT

Higher compression than stock is often caused by carbon buildup around the valve. Normally you have to take action when the pressure is below the minimum spec or when their is too much difference between cylindre...

But hey... I used my Celica GT for about two years with cylindre 1 at 135PSI and the other at 185PSI. The only drawback was taking an eternity going at 190km/hre... But my problem was only a bent valve so who cares..

forgot to mention, I have a 2000 gt-s, plus it has a brand new head installed by toyota, is that normal or should I be worried?

X-axis · 12-04-2006, 03:28 PM

i have 15kg in 1, 2 and 4 cylinders and 11 kg in 3rd

**jlitman** · 02-03-2007, 01:11 AM

I too am ~210 in all 4 cyls

On a related note: If compression is good, does that also mean it's highly unlikely you have damaged (bent, burnt) valves?

RoXx0r · 06-07-2008, 11:24 PM

195-195-195-192 i have a celica GT 2002 87 000 KM is that ok ???

**Smaay** · 10-06-2008, 02:48 PM

i posted the spec on the bottom of the guide, read it

sopheak · 08-31-2009, 05:12 PM

Anyone figured out with fuse to pull to prevent the CEL?

donteatbugs · 11-30-2009, 12:28 PM

the efi fuse

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10-14-2006, 03:03 PM	#1
Smaay FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palmdale, RIP LACR Posts: 7,954 iTrader: (8)	How to test your compression I have been seeing alot of questions about compression and how to test, so here is a writeup i did. Compression Test by Smaay 1. Open hood 2. Remove engine plastics with 5mm Allen Wrench. 3. Plastics removed 4. Reach behind engine to unplug power steering sensor 5. Remove the four 10mm bolts holding coils. 6. Unplug coils 7. Remove the two 10mm nuts holding wiring harness. 8. Lift wiring harness out of the way. 9. Pull all four coils. Coils removed exposing sparkplugs 9.5 unplug the 4 injectors so they dont squirt. 10. Using 5/8 spark plug socket and suitable extension (6-8 in.) remove and inspect sparkplugs. They should be a copper color like pictured. Image of compression tester purchased at Autozone/Pep Boys/Kragen/Napa/etc. 11. Screw compression tester into cylinder 1 hand tight. 12. Hold down gas and clutch at the same time, crank engine over about 6 times, until needle stops jumping on compression tester http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkaUtDSdmF4 13. Record results. 14. Release air pressure from tester and repeat for each cylinder. Straight from the Toyota Manual (BGB) Compression pressure: 1ZZ-FE 1,500 kPa (15.3 kgf/cm2, 218 psi) 2ZZ-GE 1,400 kPa (14.3 kgf/cm2, 203 psi) or more Minimum pressure: 1ZZ-FE 1,000 kPa (10.2 kgf/cm2, 145 psi) 2ZZ-GE 1,000 kPa (10.2 kgf/cm2, 145 psi) Difference between each cylinder: 1ZZ-FE 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm2, 15 psi) or less 2ZZ-GE 110 kPa (1.1 kgf/cm2, 16 psi) or less 15. After test complete, put car back together in reverse order. 16. DONE! Have a beer to celebrate good results, or sulk in sorrows. edit: this will throw a CEL for misfires. there is a fuse you can pull to prevent it but im not sure which one it is. but just unhook your negative terminal on the battery for 5 minutes and it will reset the CEL. Also the car might have a hard time starting, dont worry, just give it a few more cranks. It will start __________________ 2001 Celica GT-S 2ZZ-GTE 1997 Celica GT 5S-FTE 1997 Supra 6sp 2JZ-GTE 1990 Celica All-Trac 3S-GTE 1998 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel Thats alot of BOOST! Last edited by Smaay : 09-23-2007 at 10:57 AM.

10-14-2006, 03:10 PM	#2
JOHN_B Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 2,312 iTrader: (6)	Nice write up.! __________________

10-14-2006, 03:14 PM	#3
Filegro Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central, SC Posts: 400 iTrader: (5)	This is awesome. Thanks a lot! __________________ 2000 Toyota Celica GT (Finally SOLD!) 2001 E39 BMW 530i with sports package

10-14-2006, 08:32 PM	#4
Black_TRD NOT a Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico Posts: 1,932 iTrader: (0)	Nice How-to. You dont really need to remove the power steering sensor plug and move the coil harness out of the way. Also you forgot to remove the injector plugs. __________________

10-14-2006, 10:09 PM	#5
mukalicious i roll on 35x13.50R15. Join Date: May 2002 Location: riverview, FL Posts: 4,197 iTrader: (19)	very nice write up. what should the psi be for 8:1? __________________ >:/

10-14-2006, 11:24 PM	#6
Boosted2.0 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 13,058 iTrader: (14)	Bro - you forgot to tell them to unplug the injectors so they don't wash their cylinder walls and wind up blowing fuel out the plug holes. You also forgot to mention that they will have 4 igniter codes stored in the ECU after this that will need to be erased Otherwise nice writeup __________________ Now offering: 2ZZ Performance Intake Manifold \| 2ZZ Ported Headers \| 2ZZ Ported Cylinder Heads \| PowerFC Harnesses for DBW and Auto 2ZZ \| MR2 Spyder 2ZZ Swap Kits \| Engine Builds \| Turbo / Supercharger installation \| Tuning

10-15-2006, 07:23 PM	#7
EuGeNiLe GTS Old Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,961 iTrader: (0)	You can get a compression tester at walmart also. It's usually cheaper. That's where I got mine. If they sell it at kragen's, etc. Check walmart. It will probably be 25-35% cheaper. Not just compression tester, but other automotive parts. Mobil 1 oil synthetic for 5 quarts is only $20 bucks, cheaper then costco. And yes very important part is to unplug the fuel system. If there is an easy accessible fuse, that would be the easiest way, if not, unplug them from the harness. You should also mention you can do a wet test. If compression is low, or 0, put a capful of oil in the cylinder which is low and try again. See if it gets you a bit more compression. If not you got some bent valves, if so, prob. the rings.

10-15-2006, 09:16 PM	#8
Smaay FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palmdale, RIP LACR Posts: 7,954 iTrader: (8)	hey i cant think of everything. Added the information __________________ 2001 Celica GT-S 2ZZ-GTE 1997 Celica GT 5S-FTE 1997 Supra 6sp 2JZ-GTE 1990 Celica All-Trac 3S-GTE 1998 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel Thats alot of BOOST!

10-15-2006, 09:25 PM	#10
JoManGT-S VVTL-i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Elgin,Illinois Posts: 520 iTrader: (5)	How much for the compression tester? And good job with the write up __________________ Speed Is Life

10-18-2006, 12:35 PM	#12
lVlemphizStylez Retired... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Miami/Tallahassee, FL Posts: 6,399 iTrader: (0)	210?? is that the optimal for the 2zz?? (just curious, would expect somewhere in the 240 range) __________________ 1998 LS Integra - b18c swap, b16 transmission, CTR cams, milled head, Crome Pro, SC61, Revhard Mani, Johnny Racecar FMIC, walbro, RC 650's, self tuned...STOLEN!! = ( 2003 Neon SRT4 - AGP 50 trim, DiabloSport Predator AND SAFC, 650cc's, home made return line, walbro, MPx FMIC, 5 layer headgasket, brian crower 2mm+ valves, self tuned...The kill list is long, but has come to an end. Now lets begin the quest for deep 10's...pump gas nitrous assisted

10-19-2006, 11:36 PM	#13
SLVR Stealth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,980 iTrader: (83)	He showed me this in person and had the info for compression out of the Toyota bible while he was working on his motor on an engine stand Multitasker I tell you. You are god! Jeff is the man! Thanks for the awesome write up makes life easier!

10-20-2006, 03:20 PM	#14
NeXuS-GT Turbokits.com Powered :P Join Date: May 2004 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 286 iTrader: (7)	1. What is the point of removinge the power steering plug? Just wan't to know. 2. If you start the car in WOT (throttle fully open) you do not need to unplug the injector, they will stay shut! In fact this is the way you should start the car if the engine is "drown" for some reason.

10-21-2006, 03:53 AM	#15
vegeta4ss gt-s owner 7.5 years Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 7,614 iTrader: (99)	nice job smaay, I had seen this done on an accord before but never knew the whole process myself. I'm glad you took the time to do a writeup. Is there a certain size fitting that the compression gauge has to have in order to fit down in there right and get a proper reading? Or will any 5/8 compression gauge do the job? __________________ about my 2001 gts looking for: 03+ Front and Rear seatbelts plus connectors, OEM steering wheel selling: this stuff here

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10-23-2006, 04:47 PM	#16
homeworld1031tx hookah me up Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 1,301 iTrader: (8)	210? isnt that really high? i thought 2zz's were supposed to compress at like 170? Isnt it the atmospheric pressure times the amount of compression, in our case 14.4*12.5=180...isnt that what is is supposed to be? __________________ 2000 Celica GT-S 6SPD PutFile

10-24-2006, 07:42 PM	#17
jackgts Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2 iTrader: (0)	220, 218, 225, 220 ... thats higher above normal. is that bad?

10-25-2006, 10:26 PM	#18
FrostsCelicaGTS Stealth BombeR Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bellmawr,NJ Posts: 1,086 iTrader: (0)	180 is supposed to be tops. __________________ Fix your sig. We don't mind if it goes a bit more than 500 pixels wide, but being more than 250 pixels tall becomes an eyesore because it takes up too much window space. Please fix it. 2000 White Toyota Celica GT-S -Boost soon to come Current DD 97 honda hatch w b18c1 boosted 433whp/309tq at 17lbs 544whp/381tq at 27lbs

10-27-2006, 12:37 PM	#19
infox Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: tacoma Posts: 106 iTrader: (0)	i got about 220 all around, is that right about where it should be?

10-27-2006, 03:02 PM	#21
VoodooTRD McLovin Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: BFE, CA Posts: 1,950 iTrader: (21)	nice write up. thanks for showing the boards! __________________ JPL?

12-04-2006, 03:28 PM	#23
X-axis 2001 gts 6spd Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Europe Posts: 93 iTrader: (0)	i have 15kg in 1, 2 and 4 cylinders and 11 kg in 3rd __________________ c2power stage 1

02-03-2007, 01:11 AM	#24
jlitman (Anti)Social Psychologist Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 10,346 iTrader: (33)	I too am ~210 in all 4 cyls On a related note: If compression is good, does that also mean it's highly unlikely you have damaged (bent, burnt) valves? __________________ '00 CELICA GT-S Supercharged, air-water intercooled click here for details and recent pics click here for a recent dyno

06-07-2008, 11:24 PM	#25
RoXx0r Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Quebec Canada Posts: 483 iTrader: (0)	195-195-195-192 i have a celica GT 2002 87 000 KM is that ok ???

10-06-2008, 02:48 PM	#26
Smaay FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Palmdale, RIP LACR Posts: 7,954 iTrader: (8)	i posted the spec on the bottom of the guide, read it __________________ 2001 Celica GT-S 2ZZ-GTE 1997 Celica GT 5S-FTE 1997 Supra 6sp 2JZ-GTE 1990 Celica All-Trac 3S-GTE 1998 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel Thats alot of BOOST!

08-31-2009, 05:12 PM	#27
sopheak Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: phoenix Posts: 33 iTrader: (0)	Anyone figured out with fuse to pull to prevent the CEL?

11-30-2009, 12:28 PM	#28
donteatbugs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: alabama Posts: 86 iTrader: (0)	the efi fuse __________________ $$$$$...brings the life back to it 1/4 mile: 12.8 @ 104 mph

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