Hire Compression Test Kit

[rlea]

Don't know if I'm in the right area here and apologies if I'm not, but I'm looking to hire/borrow a Compression test kit. My 3 cylinder Perkins is giving off a bit of white smoke and I've been advised the starting point to find out where the problem may lie should be a Compression test. I know you can buy a kit for about £30 but with luck this should be a one off, plus it will leave room in my shed for yet another fender to keep all the others company.
Anywhere in N/Wales or N/West ish will do for collection.
Many thanks

 

[CLB]

Not sure you can buy diesel ones that cheap but the last time I hired one I just went to a local tool hire outfit.

 

[ghostlymoron]

They're on Amazon for 37quid labelled as diesel versions but some of the feedback seems to suggest petrol cars or bikes.

 

[peteK]

I would eliminate other faults first ,are you sure its not steam?

 

[ghostlymoron]

Vyv Cox describes a simple compression type test on his website that should identify gross compression faults.

 

[rlea]

Thanks Pete. She's still giving off white smoke even when up to temperature so I'm guessing It's not just steam?
Regards

 

[rlea]

Thanks, will have a look.
Regards

 

[mattnj]

ring a local motor mechanic....i got an engine tested, he charged £50, to do the test (including taking out injectors etc) it passed and he proceed to fix the problem too (wasn't related to compression)
nothing to do with a boat mind you, but it was £50 well spent, done by a pro with the right tool, knowing the best way to do it.

 

[peteK]

Thanks Pete. She's still giving off white smoke even when up to temperature so I'm guessing It's not just steam?
Regards

Lack of cooling water could cause white smoke (steam) even when warmed up have you checked the cooling system?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Thanks Pete. She's still giving off white smoke even when up to temperature so I'm guessing It's not just steam?
Regards

Too cool running can cause white smoke. I have increased my thermostat from 74 to 82 C . Increate timming also can cause white smoke. White smoke is a sign of incomplete combustion in the cylinder.

 

[LadyInBed]

A local small garage might lend one to you for a deposit.

 

[DownWest]

I too would look at timing, after checking it is not steam. Looked at a 4-108 ( OK, very different engine) that was smoking a year after it was installed. The timing marks were several mm off? Looked at the manual and asked here. Reset it and it was OK. Quite funny, as I was running it with the owner to check the water pump and he asked what I had done about the smoke, as they would be choking in the cockpit normally.

If it starts OK and does not produce blue smoke, then compression would not be my first idea.

 

[Daydream believer]

I would eliminate other faults first ,are you sure its not steam?

No, I think it is a bit more modern than that - a diesel I suspect