7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (2024)

Is your vehicle engine giving you issues? Or it isn't just working right, and you don't know how to find out what's wrong. What you need to check the engine's working condition is a leak down tester.

Usually, people go for a compression tester, but it can only do a general check on the engine. It can't figure out exactly what's wrong with it.

A leak down tester will find out what's wrong and also where the problem is.

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (1)

Many leak-down testers aren't accurate. Finding the one that’s accurate and compatible with your vehicle’s engine can be a tedious task.

However, this comprehensive list of the 7 best leak down testers in 2023 for different engines is all you need.

Name

Image

Weight

PSI

kPa

Rating

Price

OTC 5609 Cylinder Leak Down Tester Kit

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (2)

1 Lbs

0-100 PSI

0-700

9.5/10

Lang Tools CLT-2 100 PSI Cylinder Leakage Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (3)

2.5 Lbs

0-100 PSI

0-700

9.5/10

LEIMO Cylinder Leak Down Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (4)

3.3 Lbs

0-100 PSI

0-700

8.5/10

ATD Tools 5573A 2-Gauge Cylinder Leakage Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (5)

2.5 Lbs

0-100 PSI

0-700

9/10

Our 7 Best Leak Down Tester Picks:

Here is our detailed guide on the top leak down testers that you can use to diagnose your vehicle's engine-

1. OTC 5609 Cylinder Leak Down Tester Kit

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (6)

The OTC company is a branch of the Bosch brand that majorly produces and distributes heavy-duty electronic diagnostic devices. Their equipment gives one of the most accurate diagnoses in the industry.

One of their heavy-duty products is this OTC 5609 cylinder leak down tester kit. It is a time-efficient, reliable tester for diagnosing internal engine issues like bad valves, leaking head gaskets, bad rings, etc. This equipment has a size of 10.25" × 8.75" × 3.8" and weighs only 4 lb. Also, it's cheap.

It has dual 2½" gauges with a pressure calibration from 0PSI to 100PSI and 0kpa to 700kpa. Furthermore, the chrome bezel and tough protecting external boots provide durability and endurance.

This leak down tester has a pressure-regulated manifold that helps adjust and verify pressure at different sections. It works with couplers that are compatible with a flex 24" 14mm hose. Also, it comes with 10mm, 12mm, and 18mm thread adapters for performing many applications.

The OTC 5609 cylinder leak down tester has a well-built blow-molded hard casing with a movable cover where it's kept organized and protected when not in use. The case also has a handle for easy transportation.

However, be informed that this tool can't be used as a compression tester. It's strictly for testing leakages in piston engines that have spark plugs and diesel engines with preheating plugs. Also, it has a detailed instructional chart for directions on how to use it.

Pros

  • It comes with different size of adapters for many applications
  • Its accuracy is spot-on
  • Dual pressure gauges
  • Simple to use
  • Cheap
  • Heavy-duty plastic casing
  • Detailed instruction outline for user guide

Cons

  • The threaded part of the adapters may be short for some engines

2. Motion Pro 08-0071 2-Stroke Leak Down Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (7)

If you want to test a two-stroke engine for air leaks, this Motion Pro 08-0071 2-stroke leak down tester is our recommendation. Motion Pro specifically created it for testing air leaks in a 2-stroke engine.

This leak down tester is made in the USA, so rest assured that all its parts are of premium quality. It functions with an air pressure gauge that reads pressure in PSI. Also, it comes with a pump-up bulb.

The fittings and adapter of this leak down tester are compatible with standard single and dual cylinder 2-stroke engines.

Intake adapters with dimensions for 35mm, 41mm, 43mm, or 46mm intake manifolds come packaged with it. With these adapters, the Motion Pro 08-0071 2-stroke leak down tester finds use in a wide range of 2-stroke car and motorcycle engines.

Additionally, it has rubber exhaust port plugs that expand to fit ports of 35mm to 60mm in diameter.

This tester weighs 5.95lb and comes in a handy carry box, with a well-written user manual. This device works well, but it's more expensive than most testers in its category.

Pros

  • It works well for 2-stroke engine
  • Comes with fittings and adapters for use on engines of different sizes
  • Made in the USA
  • Lightweight
  • Well-written manual

Cons

  • Air gauge doesn't start from 0 PSI
  • It's a bit pricey

3. Lang Tools CLT-2 100 PSI Cylinder Leakage Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (8)

Lang Tools is a family-owned tool manufacturing company in Racine, Wisconsin, that has been producing automotive tools since 1932.

They have a large variety of different equipment that solves and diagnoses problems in auto vehicles. Of which, one of them is this CLT-2 100 PSI cylinder leak down tester. This Lang leak down tester features state-of-the-art technology to provide an accurate diagnosis.

It accurately measures the air present in an engine cylinder with its precision regulator.

Furthermore, it uses two 2½" M68 gauges. The first gauge has a scale that reads from 0-100% and a multicolored band that indicates when air leakage is low, moderate, or high. Simultaneously, the second gauge reads pressure from 0-100PSI and 0-7bar to monitor input air-line pressure.

All part of this leakage tester is made from sturdy metal in the USA. However, the gauges are made in China, and they have rubber covers. Note that the gauges are non-calibratable.

This equipment is affordable and does what it's made for efficiently. It comes with a 26" hose that has M14 standard reach and long reach adapters.

Also, it comes with a manual and a carry case with a total weight of 5.75lb. Be informed that this tool is a supplement for a compression tester. Thus, it can't work as a compression tester.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Dual easy to read gauges for accuracy
  • Carry casing
  • Instructional manual
  • Heavy-duty

Cons

  • The hose and adapters are flimsy

4. LEIMO Cylinder Leak Down Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (9)

The LEIMO cylinder leak down tester works well to check and diagnose air leaks in any car or truck with a 4-stroke engine. It is a heavy-duty cylinder leak down detector that works effectively and efficiently.

As long as clearance is minimal in your vehicle, this device is sure to give accurate results. It helps find common engine problems like worn piston rings, worn valves, blown head gaskets, and cylinder head cracks, to mention a few. And the best part is it's inexpensive compared to other cylinder leak down testers.

Further, it has a pressure regulator and a dual gauge system consisting of an air leakage gauge and a 2½" pressure gauge. Its air leakage gauge shows the percentage of air leaks present in the engine tested on a scale of 0% to 100%. While its pressure gauge shows the amount of air present on a scale of 0-100PSI. However, this gauge system isn't accurate sometimes.

This leak down tester works with a 480mm hose having a female connector and two male spark plug adapters of 12mm and 14mm diameters. Also with a fixed short M14 x 26mm connector and an M16 x 26mm fixed short connector.

With its adapters and connectors, the LEIMO cylinder leak down tester is versatile for many engines. It has a carrying case for easy and organized carry along to Jobsite.

Plus, there's an instruction manual to guide users on its usage. LEIMO has a 30-day back guarantee when you buy this device if you don't like what you get.

Pros

  • Dual gauge system
  • Carrying case
  • User-manual
  • Works well with many 4-stroke engines
  • 30-days money-back guarantee
  • Cheap

Cons

  • It's not always accurate
  • It isn't durable

5. ATD Tools 5573A 2-Gauge Cylinder Leakage Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (10)

Most cheap tools are cheap because of the substandard materials used in producing them.

But, the ADT company doesn't compromise on its product's quality, even though they are inexpensive. If you are on a budget and you need a high-quality, accurate cylinder leakage tester that will last for a while, then this ATD Tools 5573A 2-Gauge cylinder leakage tester is right for you.

It is cheap and offers an accurate diagnosis of air leakage volume and where it's coming from in an engine.

This cylinder leakage tester has an anodized circular body that gives it an attractive appearance. It functions with a 2-gauge design.

One pressure gauge with a dual scale of 0-100PSI & 0-7 bar, and one air leak gauge with a scale of 0-100% underneath a multicolored band for measuring low, moderate, and high air leakage.

ATD recently improved these gauges by making them bigger and more readable. Also, they added a gauge boot to boost their durability. This tester's pressure regulator is easy to use and provides precise monitoring of the input air pressure.

Furthermore, they have an industrial interchangeable quick coupler compatible with standard compression test adapters. However, you'll need to remove the valve core for it to fit some adapters.

When you buy this tester, it comes in a casing containing an M14 short thread adapter on a 26 hose assembly, an M14 long thread solid adapter, a ¼" female, and a ⅛" male reducer adapter. Also, it has a year warranty.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Good quality
  • Big and easy to read
  • It's accurate
  • It has a carrying case

Cons

  • It may leak

6. ABN Cylinder Leak Detector & Engine Compression Tester Kit

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Another air leak down tester designed explicitly for gasoline 4-stroke engines is the ABN cylinder leak detector & engine compression tester. It helps diagnose engine faults such as worn piston rings, blown head gaskets, worn valves, cracked cylinder walls in cars or trucks with minimal clearance, and a 4-stroke engine.

Just like most of the modern leak down testers, this tester comes with a twin gauge manifold for pressure measurements in PSI (0-100) & bar (0-7) and air leakage volume measurement in percentage (0-100%) low, moderate, and high levels.

These gauges are big, easy to read with a 2.9" diameter scale, and have a shockproof rubber enclosing protector. Moreso, it has an easy-to-use air regulator for controlling air intake.

This tester comes in a well-built plastic blow-molded carrying case with dimensions of 14.8" x 3.1" x 10.75". The casing helps store the tester and accessories in an organized manner and for easy transportation.

It comes with 12mm and 14mm spark plugs that fit perfectly into any standard 12mm or 14mm spark plug socket. Also included is a 480mm Flexi hose, M14 x 26mm fixed short connector, and an M16 x 26mm fixed long connector.

Pros

  • Works excellent for 4-stroke engines
  • Sturdy carrying casing
  • Cheap and offers good value for money
  • Easy-to-use

Cons

  • Air coupler fitting may not fit well for some engines

7. Star (STACLT-2PB) Cylinder Leakage Tester

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (12)

To round up our list is this (STACLT-2PB) cylinder leakage tester from Star water systems company. This tester accurately measures an engine cylinder's ability to contain air and detect any air leakage.

Its dual gauge system effectively detects faults such as blown head gaskets, bad valves, worn rings, and cracked cylinder walls in an engine cylinder.

The gauge system comprises two 2¼" diameter gauges with different pressure measurements. The first one measures inline pressure in two scales; 0-100PSI and 0-7 bar.

The second one measures the air leaks with a scale that reads from 0% to 100% and a multicolored band that tells if air leakage is high, moderate, or low. These gauges have a rubber covering to protect them.

Also, it has a precision air regulator for controlled air supply. This tester comes with an M14 and M18 adapter fixed on a 26" hose assembly. It weighs 2.455lb and has a carry casing for storage and easy transportation.

Pros

  • Solid construction
  • Easy-to-use
  • Carrying case
  • Cheap with great value
  • Works well

Cons

  • None

Leak Down Tester Buying Guide

The Leak-down tester is an innovative device that detects the efficiency of internal combustion engines. It works by sending compressed air into the cylinder, and the amount of leak is monitored. The less the leak, the better the engine. Here are some factors to consider when you want to get a leak-down tester:

Ease of Use

This is one of the most notable factors of all. Gone are the days when leak down testing is not a thing to do for yourself, or rather, by yourself. You don’t need to visit an automobile mechanic regularly if you are well informed. Engine tests should not be something you perform in a while. You should check the condition of the engine regularly; late detection of problems is usually catastrophic. This is the main reason why you need to get a leak down detector that is very easy to operate.

Versatility

Check if the leak-down tester can work with various types of internal combustion engines and not just one type. There are many testers that work perfectly with petrol engines, but you may need more degree of freedom.

A versatile leak down tester works well with gasoline engines and other types of internal combustion engines. For example, Ford triton engines have a new formula for their engine system. Check if the leak tester can work with that.

You may not mind getting a tester that works in just one engine type. Regardless, getting a versatile one for some extra cash or even the same price won’t be a bad deal in any way.

7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (13)

Digital Charts and Display

Most leak down tester has real-time analog gauges that are meant for close human observation. You may want the comfort of a digital display system. Some leak testers have digital displays that reports actual numbers and values, in real-time. They even come with a hold option that temporarily stores test results.

Digital charts are displayed on the screen, some of which are operated by touch. They may also have extra details like professional pieces of advice and time records of previous tests. It definitely gets better.

Flexibility of Adapters

A lot of vehicles have different engine systems and valves, all depending on manufacturers and models.

Ensure you get a leak down tester that has adapters to work with most vehicle requirements. Most leak-down testing kits come with various attachments, be sure to check out that yours comes with many adapters to serve dynamics purposes.

Also, some adapters have adjustable geometry that makes up for use in different scenarios; you might want to have one of those.

Corrosion Resistance

How well does the leak down test resist corrosive conditions? This is totally dependent on the material used to make the tester or the material it is coated with.

Nickel-plating for surface finishing is a good option that prevents corrosion of devices. Some other materials also serve well; just make sure the leak down tester you purchase is made of a very strong corrosion resistance material, and that will really go a long way.

Weight of Device

The leak down tester does not need to be very heavy; the operation gets harder if it is. This point is not totally technical but still one to consider.

A heavy testing device doesn’t necessarily mean a better one or a stronger one. Most of these devices have their details like the weight in their spec information, be sure to check that before you buy.

Sensitivity Levels and Operation Modes

A few advanced leak-down testers have options of choosing different modes. Each mode has a different sensitivity level of measurement that is calibrated to a certain degree. Having the options of testing with different sensitivities is surely a plus. You have more information, and you test as more conditions. This way, your conclusions are surer.

Fluid Testing and Indication

Few leak-down testers have this function. The fluid indicator is a very unique and precise innovation. It comes with a tube compartment that holds the indicator fluid. This session is the actual part that does the testing.

If the testing fluid changes to yellow after the test, it shows that the engine in question has damages that cause leakage, which may lead to more serious faults.

The system’s advantage is majorly based on extreme simplicity, but that comes with a major disadvantage. The leakage level is directly revealed, and the intensity of fault maybe had to judge; that is why some people opt out of using such leak-down detectors.

Quality of Toolbox

Most leak down testers come with a toolbox that contains the device and other necessary components. The box can be made with different polymers of rubber or plastic.

It is important to get a tester with a resilient and long-lasting box. Leak down testers, especially the typical ones with pressure gauges, are not meant to be moved around without coverage when not in you.

Most pressure gauges are covered with glass; you don’t want it to drop and get damaged. Also, the toolbox is a form of protection from corrosion and even on the general scale.

Final Thoughts

Diagnosing engines have become so much easier and straightforward since leak down testers came on board. They give a clear picture of an engine's health with the percentage of air loss displayed on their gauge. After testing, whatever loss in the gauge tells you what's going on inside of the engine and if you need to open it up or not.

In conclusion, we've reviewed the best leak down testers in the market, with their respective features and compatibility with engines. By now, we hope you should have seen the one right for your engine. Good luck!

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7 Best Leak Down Tester Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide] (2024)

FAQs

What is a good cylinder leak down test? ›

The best leak-down tester is the twin-gauge type. You read inlet shop air pressure on one gauge and read the percentage of cylinder leakage on the other. Leak-down test gauges are not all created equal and my not read the same. It's not critical whose gauge is correct.

How much psi for leak down test? ›

The difference in readings gives you the percentage leak-down. You'll need to prevent the crankshaft from turning, resisting 100 pounds per square inch normally used to test automotive gasoline engines. Diesel engines are typically tested at 200 psi. Small two-cycle and four-cycle engines might need only 50 psi.

What is the difference between a compression tester and a leak-down tester? ›

A compression test uses the engine turning to generate the compression in the cylinder for the compression stroke, in which both intake and exhaust valves are closed. A leak down test uses a set of gauges and pressurizes the cylinder with air and measures how much of that air is escaping.

How much is a leak down test? ›

The leak down test about the same. Leak down testers are $100 and nice compression testers from $100-150.

Will a leak down test show a bad head gasket? ›

Head gasket : Air bubbles in engine coolant seen at the radiator filler cap could mean air escaping into the coolant past the head gasket. Cracked cylinder head : Bubbles in coolant or coolant being pushed up out of the radiator neck can also indicate cracks in the cylinder head or cylinder walls.

What will a leak down test tell you that a compression test will not? ›

The leakdown tester is less common, and you need to get a good one to do the test properly. A compression test is to determine how much pressure the engine makes, and a leakdown test measures its ability to hold pressure.

How to read a cylinder leak-down tester? ›

Leak down test results are typically represented as a percentage, indicating the amount of pressure that is lost from the cylinder. Ideally, you want to see a leak percentage under 10 percent, which could be noise or a slight ring or valve seal leak.

What is the correct PSI for checking leakage? ›

The leak test pressure limit for leak tests typically uses low pressure. Most codes for leak test pressure limits call for the pressure to be at least 15 psi or 25% of the design pressure (whichever pressure is less).

What are the symptoms of a compression leak? ›

Compression leak between cylinders: Rough idling, misfires, and a loss of power may indicate that the head gasket has failed between cylinders. This causes a loss of compression as compression leaks from one cylinder to the next and can cause exhaust gasses to flow back into the intake.

Is a vacuum leak test better than a pressure test? ›

Compared to pressure decay testing, vacuum leak testing can provide better repeatability as it is less sensitive to environmental variables created by temperature changes.

What is the difference between positive and negative pressure leak test? ›

A positive-pressure leak test will not detect a leak of the low-pressure components that are upstream from the check valve. Fun Fact: The negative-pressure leak test is also known as the universal leak test because it can be used on anesthesia machines with or without a common gas outlet check valve.

How much does it cost for a compression check? ›

Engine Compression Test Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Engine Compression Test is between $150 and $189 but can vary from car to car.

How much air pressure do I need for a leak test? ›

Method to perform a leak test by placing the work in a chamber, applying a minute amount of pressure inside the chamber, applying test pressure inside the work and comparing the pressure change due to leak from the work to chamber with that of the master work.

What are the symptoms of a leak-down test? ›

Should I get a compression tester or a leak-down tester?
Leak-Down Testing Quick Symptom Guide
Test ResultCommon Causes
Whistling, humming, or pressure in exhaust· Burned exhaust valve · Bent exhaust valve
Whistling through intake· Bent intake valve
3 more rows
Jul 28, 2017

How do you run a leak test? ›

The leak test is performed by immersing a part, usually a sandwich composite structure, in a hot water tank. The temperature of the water induces the expansion of air in the structure, and if a crack or a delamination is present, gas bubbles escape the structure and are immediately detected by visual inspection.

How much valve leakage is acceptable? ›

capacity. seats. Leakage rate is limited to 0.01% of rated valve capacity (known as metal to metal). Test fluid is air or water, pressure 45 and 50 psig or the operating pressure if lower.

How to read a cylinder leak down tester? ›

Leak down test results are typically represented as a percentage, indicating the amount of pressure that is lost from the cylinder. Ideally, you want to see a leak percentage under 10 percent, which could be noise or a slight ring or valve seal leak.

How much compression loss is acceptable? ›

Again, a good rule of thumb is no more than 10 percent variation between any of the cylinders.

What is a standard leak test? ›

What Is Leak Testing? In leak testing, inspectors use pressure to identify the presence of defects in an object that are causing leaks. When substances leak out of a container they flow from where the pressure is higher pressure to where it is lower.

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