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Checking Compression Pressure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Nissan Xterra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Warm up engine thoroughly. Then, stop it.
  2. Release fuel pressure. Refer to "FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE ".
  3. Disconnect fuel pump fuse to avoid fuel injection during measurement.
    Fig 1: Locating IPDM E/R And Fuel Pump Fuse
    G04147082Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Remove intake manifold collector. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
  5. Remove spark plug from each cylinder. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
  6. Connect engine tachometer (not required in use of CONSULT-II).
  7. Install compression tester with adapter onto spark plug hole.
    Fig 2: Installing Compression Tester With Adapter Onto Spark Plug Hole
    G04202290Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • Use compression gauge whose picking up end inserted to spark plug hole is smaller than 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter. Otherwise, it may be caught by cylinder head during removal.
    Fig 3: Identifying Compression Gauge Picking Up End Dimension
    G04202291Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  8. Turn ignition switch to "START" for cranking. When the gauge pointer stabilizes, read the compression pressure and engine RPM. Perform these steps to check each cylinder.

    Compression pressure: 

    COMPRESSION PRESSURE

    Unit: kPa (kg/cm2 , psi) /RPM
    Standard Minimum Differential limit between cylinders
    1, 275(13.0, 185)/300 981 (10.0, 142)/300 98 1(10.0, 142)/300
    CAUTION: Always use a fully changed battery to obtain specified engine speed.
    • If the engine speed is out of specified range, check battery liquid for proper gravity. Check engine speed again with normal battery gravity.
    • If compression pressure is below minimum value, check valve clearances and parts associated with combustion chamber (valve, valve seat, piston, piston ring, cylinder bore, cylinder head, cylinder head gasket). After the checking, measure compression pressure again.
    • If some cylinders have low compression pressure, pour small amount of engine oil into the spark plug hole of the cylinder to recheck it for compression.
    • If the added engine oil improves the compression, piston rings may be worn out or damaged. Check the piston rings and replace if necessary.
    • If the compression pressure remains at low level despite the addition of engine oil, valves may be malfunctioning. Check valves for damage. Replace valve or valve seat accordingly.
    • If two adjacent cylinders have respectively low compression pressure and their compression remains low even after the addition of engine oil, cylinder head gaskets are leaking. In such a case, replace cylinder head gaskets.
  9. After inspection is completed, install removed parts.
  10. Start engine, and make sure that engine runs smoothly.
  11. Perform trouble diagnosis. If DTC appears, erase it. Refer to "HOW TO ERASE DTC ".
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