A Compression Test for Diesel Engines is a critical diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the internal health and efficiency of a marine diesel engine. Because diesel engines rely on high compression to ignite fuel, consistent and adequate cylinder pressure is essential for smooth operation, performance, and longevity.
This test allows the Marine Surveyor or certified diesel technician to identify early signs of mechanical wear or internal damage, helping prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
The goal of a compression test is to verify that each cylinder is generating the proper compression pressure required for efficient combustion. Variations between cylinders can reveal underlying
mechanical issues such as:
- Worn piston rings or cylinder liners
- Leaking or burned valves
- Head gasket leaks or failures
- Improper valve timing or seating
- Injector sealing or seating problems
- This specialized testing requires advance planning and is billed hourly.