Just got an inspection/compression test on an s2k. The tech said across the board the compression was 160. From my research on the forums that seems low, so I called them back and they sad they did it on a cold engine, per them calling a Honda dealership. They said the honda dealership looked up the requirements for a compression test on s2k's. Just making sure this sound correct.

 

It's supposed to be done on a warm engine. It's better to do a cylinder leak test on our engines, in my opinion it's safer and will tell you everything a compression test will tell you and then some.

 

My bet, the shop did...nothing but crank the engine and listen to it, and made up some 'good' sounding numbers than took your money.

Except they are so clueless the numbers they made up, while quite good for most cars, are actually way too low for a healthy version of our cars. So once caught, they made up the story about calling the dealer.

Because:

A. A compression test is always done warm. So why would they even call Honda to ask how to do it?

B. Even a clueless Honda dealer isn't likely to tell someone to do the test cold.

Its not like different cars routinely have different compression test procedures. If they had questions about how to do a compression test, and had to call the dealer to know what to do, they aren't qualified to mechanics. If for whatever reason did call, and let's say they were told to do it cold, that they wouldn't question that, again, they are not qualified.

But again, I don't think the issue here is they didn't know what to do, but rather they just didn't do it, and charged you anyway.

 

Gotcha I agree with both of you. I was under the impression that something was up with the mechanic but I was to busy with work to look into. I used a credit card so I will give them a call and if anything I will have my credit company cancel it.

 

Always check with your local subforum for information on good places to take your S for any work you can't do yourself. A run of the mill shop is not necessarily going to be the best place for the S.

Those numbers are low and as stated, compression should be done on a cold engine.

 

... how can a shop even be allowed to do business if they don't know how to do a compression test?? blows my mind

 

Agreed, so I called them back tech said he did run it hot. Didn't pull the fuse because there wasn't anytime for the fuel to get up in there which makes no since. How would the engine be hot? I am not sure what to do at this point. It seems like it was a rushed job. He told me he followed everything that was on the identifix? Would someone be able to pull this?

 

I took mine to an Acura dealer where a friend works.

Read 170-175 across. They called Honda to verify. Above 160 is healthy. Under that, recommend leak down.

I called Honda shortly after that, and they said the exact same thing.

 

Per book 160 is acceptable. Not acceptable by any means imo, per Honda though that's what it will take to fire the cylinder. Rule I live by in life. Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

 

Engine warm. Throttle plate held wide open. All plugs removed. Fuel pump disabled.

This is not rocket science.