Does anyone do a compression check as pre purchase inspection?
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newbury
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On chainsaws.
4570Man
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A bit harsh maybe? I don’t know of many tractor owners that don’t have at least one chainsaw.
tjkubota93
Veteran Member
I would on anything that is easy to get at. Diesels can be a little more of a problem. I personally dont have any adapters for them.
I dont see why you couldn't make that a condition of sale performed by you or a mechanic. If they dont like it, I guess they dont want rid of it.
If I was selling something I would agree to let you have it checked, if you were standing there with the agreed amount when it passed.
I dont see why you couldn't make that a condition of sale performed by you or a mechanic. If they dont like it, I guess they dont want rid of it.
If I was selling something I would agree to let you have it checked, if you were standing there with the agreed amount when it passed.
4get gto
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Sure would add to the price of the tractor. Either to the seller of buyer. In a private sale anyway. Honestly don't know of anyone ever doing it..
Suppose it's good insurance.
Suppose it's good insurance.
oosik
Epic Contributor
If we are talking about brand new tractors - no. Used equipment - maybe but only if the startup and idle indicated the need. First off - I don't see ANY dealership allowing you to do a compression check on a new tractor. Secondly - you show up and want to do a compression check on a used tractor I'm selling - I say NO. YOU are **** retentive and will surely find SOMETHING wrong with the used tractor I'm selling - one way or the other. I do not want to have to deal with you and your inbred problems. Go away.
Turbys_1700
Elite Member
Yes.
On a used gas tractor crank it up and listen for any noise or look for white or blue smoke out the exhaust. Ask the owner if it uses any oil and the maintenance and history of the unit. Check the dipstick for water in the oil and the radiator for condition of antifreeze. Look at the tires and overall condition. Never asked for a compression test and don't think it is appropriate.
On a used gas tractor crank it up and listen for any noise or look for white or blue smoke out the exhaust. Ask the owner if it uses any oil and the maintenance and history of the unit. Check the dipstick for water in the oil and the radiator for condition of antifreeze. Look at the tires and overall condition. Never asked for a compression test and don't think it is appropriate.
TractorNH
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I agree. I wouldn't allow anyone to start taking things apart to do tests on it before they decide if they want it or not. There are other ways to check if the engine is in good running condition by observing it running.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
It's pretty hard to remove the injectors to get test the compression of each cylinder. If I was selling and the potential buyer wanted to do that, I would not allow it for the basic reason that they could easily mess something up, or at the very least, create more work for me if it doesn't start up after they are done.
I guy I met awhile ago had a non running John Deere 710 backhoe for sale. He had the engine out and said that it was just rebuilt, but that he didn't have the ability to put it back together due to his health failing him. He said that he bought it at an auction and it started up right away and ran great, but after getting it home and putting it to work, realized that it didn't have any power. He pulled it apart and found out that a BB had been used to plug up the injector to hide the fact that the cylinder was dead. According to him, he said this was a common trick that was done when selling construction equipment, and he should have known better.
I guy I met awhile ago had a non running John Deere 710 backhoe for sale. He had the engine out and said that it was just rebuilt, but that he didn't have the ability to put it back together due to his health failing him. He said that he bought it at an auction and it started up right away and ran great, but after getting it home and putting it to work, realized that it didn't have any power. He pulled it apart and found out that a BB had been used to plug up the injector to hide the fact that the cylinder was dead. According to him, he said this was a common trick that was done when selling construction equipment, and he should have known better.
abunchofidiots
Bronze Member
When I use to build rock crawlers for a hobby, I had a lot of vehicles go through my place. Anytime I was selling one off, I did a compression check and took a picture of it with the item I was selling. If someone wanted to do one besides that, I usually did no entertain it unless it was very easy to get to.
CobyRupert
Super Member
Not sure. This issue surely makes one think (reminds one) what "the market" actually is. Is it the "general public" (some imaginary future person), or is it really just you and a potential buyer/seller?
That is, I mean: Say a person is selling a tractor that the market says is worth $10,000. Mr. **** Retentive comes looking to buy and gets a compression check, that shows a few cylinders are starting to get weak. Now what is the tractor worth?
The answer is a question: Worth to who? Mr. **** Retentive? ($7500) The seller? (Whatever he can get between $7500 and/or $10,000)* or to "the market" (Still worth $10,000)?
*: Now the seller has a moral and monetary dilemma on whether he should mention the test results to the next potential buyer.
Coyote machine
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"*: Now the seller has a moral and monetary dilemma on whether he should mention the test results to the next potential buyer."
* ONLY if he's **** retentive.
To the OP: maybe next time specify what the heii you're asking about, and use a question mark to pose it as a question, duh!
* ONLY if he's **** retentive.
To the OP: maybe next time specify what the heii you're asking about, and use a question mark to pose it as a question, duh!
countrybumpkin
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He has that problem.
Coyote machine
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No, wishful thinking on your part. It doesn't specify what you're asking about either. Diesel? Tractor, UTV, tugboat, freight-train?
You can go to get help with your reading, and come to think of it writing problems- don't be ashamed to ask for help.
Coyote machine
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What, wanting clarity?! Yeah, I guess its a lot to ask of a lot of those posting here these days. Being a 'bumpkin it should be a familiar issue.
countrybumpkin
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Your to funny 
OP
CalG
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It really doesn't matter, the question remains. Does anyone do a compression check as pre-purchase inspection?
It's a very simple question. Useful replies could add to the information on how to evaluate any engine's condition.
From the replies, I think not many have ever done a compression check, nor would know what values were meaningful if they did.
Myself, I like to put a vacuum gauge on any normally aspirated multi cylinder engine. Chain saws, I can tell all I need just by pulling the cord. ;-)
On a Compression ignition engine, it is often easiest to gain access by way of the pre heaters. No messing with the fuel system that way. Be sure to hold the fuel cut off closed when cranking for the compression reading!
