Journal: faults and diagnostics
A test report is easier to read when you know what each test was trying to establish. These guides explain what the results support and what you might still need to ask the garage.
Reading a compression report
See what a cranking compression reading can show, what a leak-down test adds and why it helps to have the readings for every cylinder and the test conditions.
Checking for damage after overheating
Learn to separate the original cooling fault from any damage it may have caused. The checks that trace a coolant loss can differ from those that assess the cylinder head.
For a fault that needs looking at now, see engine diagnostics or the symptom guide. Back to the Journal.
Reading a compression and leak-down report
Learn how to read cylinder-by-cylinder compression figures, what a leak-down test adds and what to ask the garage before agreeing to further work.
What to check after an engine has overheated
Find out how a garage separates the cause of overheating from the damage it may have left, and what evidence should guide the repair.
Engine Cranks but Won’t Start: Questions Before Replacing Parts
What to tell an engine specialist when your engine cranks but won’t start, and why the symptom alone cannot identify a failed part.