Leakdown vs compression testing?

[amuller]

I just read Joe McCauley’s article ("Leakdown, Break-in, Ring Seal, and Oil") in the most recent (July) Antique Outboarder.

L learned to use a leakdown tester when working on airplanes, where they are standard procedure and ordinary compression gauges aren’t generally used. There is not much to them and you can get one for $25 or so.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leak-down_tester

Anyway, wondering if others here have used these on outboards and with what results.

[rco]

I have been a professional mechanic for 20+ years. Cylinder leakage tests are very valuable on 4 stroke engines, but I don’t put a lot of stock in the results on 2 stroke engines. You are only able to test the ring sealing surface in one spot in the cylinder which may be better or worse than the rest of the cylinder.

[Author]

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