timmJ

I am looking at purchasing an engine for a project I am working on and was told that it is a 2003 3.4 with only 60K miles. I am nervous that this is the case and was wondering can a compression check be done or what other checks can be done before spending money on it. Can I hook up a battery if there is a starter to do the check??? Please help me in any way you can!! Thanks guys!!

robcfox

It is possible to make and engine turn over while not in vehicle but you need a good fast starting motion to get the correct compression readings, the engine would need to be very solidly mounted to a stand.

You could do a cylinder leakdown. Similar to a compression check, you will need a leakdown gauge, this is done with the cylinder you are going to check at TDC. Basically you are using air pressure from a tank or compressor to pressurize the cylinder and watch to see how fast the pressure drops. The pressure developed during a compression test is a function of valve sealing as well as ring condition and head gasket leaks, a leak down will tell you all of this as well. All you would need is a leakdown gauge set, which will let you connect to the cylinder and an air source. A compression gauge has a check valve to hold the highest pressure reading on the gauge so it does not work for leakdown, leakdown is a live reading and the cylinder must be at TDC so intake and exhaust valves are closed.

I would look in any coolant passages as well, make sure they are clean with not StopLeak junk in there.

Other things, check oil for water. When you pull the plugs to do leakdown look at them and make sure they are not fouled, should be a nice tan color.