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Subject:Re: Compression test - cold vs hot?
From:Anonymous Digest
Date:Fri, 18 Mar 2005 09:27:12 -0700

A general observation/inquiry

I think its obvious how the test results will change when the engine is
warmed up, but what I am not expert on is how is this documented? Is it
implied that the engine  is warmed up when the compression check it done?
When Bentley and other vehicles all state the minimum compression, is it
understood that this is done on a hot engine? When folks here are
reporting their compression numbers, are they always on a hot engine?

Mostly, I ask because maybe you can get away with minimal burns pulling
plugs on a hot vanagon motor, <g> but in most cases, checking the
compression on a hot engine is gonna cause a lot of pain and suffering. In
fact, many times, the engine will have cooled considerably before you can
fight your way through the myriad of hoses and wires to pull the plugs in
the first place :)

I have just never read a shop manual or other book that listed compression
numbers, and then made a point to note that they are done on a hot engine.

Curious how the world views this.

John