Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

[Dan H.]

I am burning oil on an LT-1 in cylinder #2. I need to run a compression test and have the original TI. Is there anything special i need to do so that I don't damage this ignition system? I have heard that I need to ground the dist end of the coil wire to prevent damage. Is this all I need to do? Is a simple wire with alligator clips enough to handle the current?

[Dick W.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

Just disconnect the ignition system.

[Dan H.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

What is the best/easiest way to disconnect it?

[Terry M.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

I am burning oil on an LT-1 in cylinder #2. I need to run a compression test and have the original TI. Is there anything special i need to do so that I don't damage this ignition system? I have heard that I need to ground the dist end of the coil wire to prevent damage. Is this all I need to do? Is a simple wire with alligator clips enough to handle the current?

After you figure out what to do to the ignition you might consider doing a cylinder leak down test. The compression test is better than nothing, but a cylinder leak-down test will tell you more. You might be able to borrow the cylinder leak-down tester from Auto Zone or Advance/Cragen/O'Riley's. You will need access to compressed air to use the cylinder leak-down tester.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

I ground the distributor end of the coil wire with an ordinary (16-18 ga) alligator clip lead on my 70 LT-1 when turning the engine over for a compression test or to build up oil pressure after an extended storage. It still has the original amplifier which works fine after almost 42 years.

[Michael H.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

I am burning oil on an LT-1 in cylinder #2. I need to run a compression test and have the original TI. Is there anything special i need to do so that I don't damage this ignition system? I have heard that I need to ground the dist end of the coil wire to prevent damage. Is this all I need to do? Is a simple wire with alligator clips enough to handle the current?

Dan,

The best/easiest/safest way to kill the TI is unplug the amplifier.

[Dan H.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

Thank you for the help guys! I'm not familiar with a leak down test, I have heard them talked about in other forums but I'll have to do some research to see whats involved. My main goal is to not cook original parts!

Dan

[Terry M.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

Google is your friend. I have selected just one Video. There are explanations of "how to build your own" and on and on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvG22YMOzUI

[Joe R.]

Re: Help running a compression test with transistor ignition

Terry,

I've often wondered how to run a leak down test. Thanks for posting that video, it was very informative!

Joe