#703 Compression Tester

[HenryB]

A couple of weeks ago I placed an order for a #703 marine engine compression tester. A message came back that the unit was not in stock and would be two weeks before it will be shipped. I did not like the idea and cancelled the order and went to the next jobber on the list. I got the same answer, not in stock and a two-week wait.

If it works I will appreciate being able to do the test myself and not have someone else on the starter. The price is under 25$ delivered. Short money, but is it worth the wait? I have a feeling that the #703 might be junk.

 

[Don S]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

What are you testing compression on? Do you actually have a clearance problem or just ordering it because it says marine on it?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

here 'ya go... $20. Lots of accessories and cheaper

Compression Test Kit

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Thanks for posting the photo.

No clearance problem, a typical 4 cylinder on a trailer. I have been using the type that you must compress by hand when making the test and I’ve always needed another person to turn the engine over. For 25$ is it worth it?

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Smokingc.

I read the reviews. Ick. The #703 will probably return the same story.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Not so hot on the Harbor Freight compression tester, huh?

What about this;
Craftsman Compression Test Kit - Tools - Mechanics & Auto Tools - Diagnostic Tools & Testers

Looks like very good quality, very similar to my MAC setup I payed $180 for. And it would be far more versatile than that "marine" compression tester you ordered.

 

[Don S]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Thanks for posting the photo.

No clearance problem, a typical 4 cylinder on a trailer. I have been using the type that you must compress by hand when making the test and I’ve always needed another person to turn the engine over. For 25$ is it worth it?

Have no clue what typical 4 cylinder on a trailer is, is it an IO, outboard?.

Some motors you can't use the 703 on because it is too short. If you don't have a clearance problem, then you don't need the 703, it's just a guage on a fitting, nothing marine about it.

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Sorry, it is an outboard mounted on a boat on a trailer.

If I understand the use of the #703 correctly the gauge screws into a standard spark plug hole rather than having to compress it by hand.

 

[Don S]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Yes, just like the hoses do on most compression gauges.

 

[JoLin]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

There are a hundred inexpensive testers that screw into the plug hole, and you certainly don't need a 'marine rated' tester. When it comes to basic diagnostic tools (DVOM, compression tester, vacuum tester, adjustable gap spark tester, etc., etc), an internal combustion engine is an internal combustion engine. Boat, car, lawn mower- it's all the same.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

Sorry, it is an outboard mounted on a boat on a trailer.

If I understand the use of the #703 correctly the gauge screws into a standard spark plug hole rather than having to compress it by hand.

The tester set I posted is obviously more money than the 703 tester your looking at, but that 703 is going to severely limit you on what you could use it on. If your working on something that doesn't have 14mm plug threads, or doesn't have enough clearance for the gauge, or the plug threads are recessed in the cylinder head like on a DOHC engine, the tester you want will be useless to you. I'd rather spend a bit more money on something that's going to cover the broad spectrum of engines I may encounter. Like Don said, any good compression tester has threaded hoses that screw into the plug holes.

But it's your cash...

 

[chrome dome]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

here 'ya go... $20. Lots of accessories and cheaper

Compression Test Kit

l bought one of those about 18 months ago,

well, it all "looks" to be the same...box, adapters, fittings etc..from a local online seller, has a "Dual Power" sticker on the case

worked great about 6 times...10 motors here...then it started leaking and wouldn't hold pressure,

went to a auto shop and bought a different one,

just my story though...

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

I give the motor a good going over before I put it away each year, so I only need test it once a year.

I’m wondering if any have used this gauge and can tell me if I should cancel my order and continue to use my old hand job one and use someone else to hit the starter. It would be nice if the #703 does the job.

Incidentally, this year I removed the two heads for a look see at the cylinder walls and the mating surfaces. The walls showed practically no wear and the cross hatch is plainly visible. The mating surfaces showed no worm holing. After the first four years of operation the heads showed some slight worm holing and I had then shaved. No problem since. And so far each compression test has been between 122 and 127 psi. I’ve used Walmart oil in my gas mix since the motor was new in 1998, SuperTECH, 2 cy. (ten bucks a gallon vs. at least 30 for the other kinds). I will not use any other oil. I replaced the VRO pump two years ago on general principles. The motor is a Johnson 135 HP. I use it exclusively in saltwater.

 

[JoLin]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

How about buying a remote starter?

OR, (because I'm a cheapskate) I've rigged a long, thin screw with a couple washers and a nut, through the hole in the ignition key. Tied some line to the threaded end of the screw, and routed it around a mid-cleat or bimini top fitting or something... in such a way that a tug on the string turns the key while I stand back at the motor. It's worked fine on a 21' outboard, a 24' I/O cruiser and the 16' outboard I just bought.

Beats waiting around for a helper.

My .02

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

This is the last day for cancelling the order. When I try it out I will get back.

 

[HenryB]

Re: #703 Compression Tester

I finally got to use the compression tester. It worked just fine. The readings a little higher than the ones I get with the hand compression type (130/135 psi vs 125/130 psi.). It is more compact than the illustration would have you believe, but it came thru with flying colors as far as I am concerned.