Correct procedure for leak down test?

[steve]

Happy New all. I was getting ready to run a leak down test on my motor and I read that it needs to be done at normal running temp.

So how does one safely remove spark plugs from a warm engine without damaging the threads? I would assume that I have to losen them somewhat before while the engine is cold? But how loose or tight should they be?

Any other tips or advice that may be helpful would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ScottAndrews]

I wrote an article on this at the Bigcoupe.com site

Here:

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/login.ph...hp&t=658&sid=279f25db31a7ccd0151149c05c9a486a

or here:

http://www.bigcoupe.com/techlinks.html
S

 

[steve]

Hmmm. I cant get to it. I need to complete the registrtion but I havent gotten the finale email yet. Been 24hrs. Could you cut and paste it in here or email it to me please?

[email protected]

Thanks

 

[steve]

Nice article thanks Scott. You dont mention that the test needs to be done while the engine is warm.

I bought a leak down tester and it mentions in the instructions to do the test on a warm engine so that the tolerences are correct. It also warns of removing spark plugs from a warm engine with an aluminum head.

So that was what I was trying to figure out. How do you warm up the engine then safely remove the plugs?