Compression test @ the fest?

blizzak

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Location
Waterloo, Ontario
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition, Grey, 446K KM
Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone at the fest would be able to help me with a compression test. As shown in my signature, mine is a 97' Jetta 1Z. I guess I could go and borrow one from a local auto parts shop and do it myself, but I don't imagine I will have the time before the fest anyways.

As far as I have read, you need:

Compression tester
Battery Charger (I have a trickle charger, not sure if that would supply sufficient power though)
VAG-COM to clear codes
wrenches, etc

I can crack open the glow plugs and re-tighten them before heading to the fest just to be sure they won't be frozen. If someone doesn't feel they need to watch over me then if I could just borrow someone's tester for a bit at the fest I would be happy. But I wouldn't mind one of the many gurus helping me out and giving me insight during the process.

TIA,
Blake
 

VeeDubTDI

Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 2, 2000
Location
Springfield, VA
TDI
‘18 Tesla Model 3D+, ‘14 Cadillac ELR, ‘13 Fiat 500e
It's not a good idea to take your car apart so far from home. Snap off a glowplug or strip one of the holes, and life's gonna suck.
 

blizzak

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Location
Waterloo, Ontario
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition, Grey, 446K KM
I suppose that's true...that's why I was going to make sure they weren't frozen before heading out. Life would suck either way if one of those things happened.

Ah well, maybe I will just borrow one locally and do it here then...unless someone can assure me that nothing'll go wrong at the fest ;)
 

compu_85

Gadget Guy
Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Location
La Conner, WA
TDI
... None :S
On your car the injection pump has to be de-timed to take out the #2 injector (on the IDI's you remove the injectors to do the compression test). I would really save this test for home.

-Jason
 

blizzak

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Location
Waterloo, Ontario
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition, Grey, 446K KM
IDI? Mine isn't an IDI, and the bentley article for this clearly states (for 1Z, AHU):

Compression, checking (engine codes 1Z, AHU)
  • Disconnect fuel cut-off valve on Diesel injection pump.
  • Disconnect harness connector for quantity adjuster on Diesel injection pump.
  • Remove all glow plugs using 3220 hinged socket.
  • Install VAG1323/12 adapter in place of glow plugs.
  • Check compression using US1110 compression tester.
I still think that there's really nothing that can go wrong as long as I make sure the glow plugs are not seized before leaving home. But if the concensus is that it shouldn't be done, that's what I'll go with...
 
Last edited:

compu_85

Gadget Guy
Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Location
La Conner, WA
TDI
... None :S
Oops, for some reason I misread the engine code. I must have spent too much time workin on my ECO lately, I've got IDIs floating around in my head.
 
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