What is engine compression?

[TheDebater]

I'm hopefully going to pick up a used Toyota 4Runner, but one of the things i've heard you should do when you have a mechanic check out the car is check the compression. What does this entail? Is it hard to do? Is it something most places do when inspecting a car? Is it expensive? Thanks

 

[Kalvin00]

HowStuffWorks Link

 

[TheDebater]

Awesome, thanks Kalvin00. Anyone know about the inspection aspects? Thanks

 

[Kalvin00]

If you have a mechanic there, he would be probably be able to do it. It wouldn't cost more than $50 i'd imagine...how old is the engine in the vehicle?

 

[Iron Woode]

Checking the compression is something I would do if I suspected an engine issue.

Even on a 4 banger, a compression test is time consuming and something that you must ask a mechanic to do as it is not part of a safety inspection.

 

[TheDebater]

it's a '96 with a 6 cylinder

 

[CraigRT]

compression test is no biggie, i used to do them often on cars when i was in school. all you have to do is pull out the spark plugs and plug the tester into the spark plug holes, and crank the car over a few times, it picks up a reading and it just needs to be within vehicle spec.

 

[C'DaleRider]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
compression test is no biggie, i used to do them often on cars when i was in school. all you have to do is pull out the spark plugs and plug the tester into the spark plug holes, and crank the car over a few times, it picks up a reading and it just needs to be within vehicle spec.

Really...........the hardest part will be removing and replacing the spark plugs.

 

[TheDebater]

Thanks CraigRT and C'DaleRider, so its something my mechanic, or rather the toyota service department where im taking the vehicle, should be able to do without a problem? thanks