Hi,

I had a mechanic evaluate an AP1 I'm considering. The car is in decent shape overall with about 105k miles. I had him run a full inspection including a compression and leak down test.

Compressions were ok

Cyl 1 = 225
Cyl 2 = 220
Cyl 3 = 223
Cyl 4 = 223

The leak down test wasn't as good

Cyl 1 = 4%
Cyl 2 = 12%
Cyl 3 = 6%
Cyl 4 = 1%

I believe any leak down reading over 10% is cause for concern. Correct? I need to make a decision about the car. I would really appreciate advice on this from folks who know more about this than I do.

The mechanic didn't takes notes as to where the air was leaking. I'm a little bothered by this but too late now.

Thanks!

 

Interesting. If he had done only the compression testing, I'd say it sounds great. It's good to be thorough. I should do a compression and leakdown myself.

 

What mechanic does a leakdown test and doesn't note where it's leaking? 12% isn't necessarily bad, but it's certainly not the best. Anything over 20% is when you really want to start dealing with it. It's perfectly fine to continue driving it as is.

The leakdown test means very little without knowing where it's leaking. I would go back and demand he does it again and this time note where it's leaking.

 

Yup, I agree. The mechanic says he just ran the tet and didn't diagnose.