Compression test on VP2002

[Daydreamer]

Engine suddenly became more difficult to start at the end of last season. It seemed to start on one cylinder and then picked up on both cylinders. As a starting point I removed th injectors and had them tested but both were fine.
While they are out I would like to test the compression. Compression testers are cheap enough on Ebay but some form of engine specific adapter is needed and none of the kits I have looked at would seem to have anything remotely suitable.
I'm wondering if anyone here has found a way of doing this test without too much difficulty or expense.

 

[theoldsalt]

You may find that employing a diesel fitter to undertake the task just as economic. If you move the boat to a suitable yard it should only take a few minutes of his time. He may even give some free advise depending on the results.

 

[Lakesailor]

Compression testers with rubber conical seals are OK for petrol engines up to about 12:1 compression ratios but for diesels at around 20:1 they can get a bit exciting.

Might be worth getting a diesel mechanic to have a go. Cheaper than buying the gear for a one-off.

 

[pvb]

Engine suddenly became more difficult to start at the end of last season.

If it happened "suddenly", perhaps you should be looking for another cause apart from compression. I suppose you are using the correct "cold start" procedure?

 

[Otter]

Agreed, the test on our Thornycroft took about 15 minutes and done at a yard, I doubt they'd charge more than £40 if you booked to go to a marina with a good engineer. BTW it's a 1977 engine and the compression was almost the same as a new one, the poor starting was down to a pinhole leak in the lift pump so worth checking the compression but it could be a number of other things.