What can a cylinder leakage tester help diagnose?

A cylinder leakage tester is a valuable tool in diagnosing various internal engine issues, particularly those related to the condition of the cylinders and the integrity of the head gaskets. When using this tool, it measures the amount of air that escapes from each cylinder when the engine is at TDC (top dead center) on the compression stroke.

In the case of cylinder wear, the tester can indicate excessive leakage due to cylinder wall problems, such as scoring or excessive wear that compromises the sealing capability. If there is significant leakage detected during the testing process, it suggests that the cylinder may not be maintaining the required compression, which points to potential wear issues.

Additionally, a cylinder leakage tester is useful for diagnosing a blown head gasket. If the gasket is compromised, air can leak between the combustion chamber and the cooling system or oil passages, leading to increased leakage readings. The tester can help pinpoint where the air is escaping, highlighting whether the issue lies with the head gasket or other components like the valves or piston rings.

Combining these diagnostic capabilities makes the cylinder leakage tester a versatile instrument for evaluating both cylinder wear and blown head gaskets, thus making the option indicating that it can diagnose both conditions correct.