Tools Required
J 35667-A Cylinder Head Leakdown Tester or equivalent
Important: A leakage test may be performed in order to measure cylinder/combustion chamber leakage. High cylinder leakage may indicate one or more of the following
- Worn or burnt valves
- Broken valve springs
- Stuck valve lifters
- Incorrect valve lash
- Damaged piston
- Worn piston rings
- Worn or scored cylinder bore
- Damaged cylinder head gasket
- Cracked or damaged cylinder head
- Cracked or damaged engine block
| CAUTION | Refer to BATTERY DISCONNECT CAUTION in Cautions and Notices. |
- Disconnect the battery ground negative cable.
- Remove the spark plugs. «SPARK PLUGS»(ref-159266-S17721766772003112400000) in Engine Controls 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
- Rotate the crankshaft to place the piston in the cylinder being tested at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke.
- Install the J 35667-A or equivalent. Important: It may be necessary to hold the crankshaft balancer bolt to prevent the crankshaft from rotating.
- Apply shop air pressure to the J 35667-A and adjust according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Record the cylinder leakage value. Cylinder leakage that exceeds 25 percent is considered excessive and may require component service. In excessive leakage situations, inspect for the following conditions: Air leakage noise at the throttle body or air inlet hose that may indicate a worn or burnt intake valve or a broken valve spring. Air leakage noise at the exhaust system tailpipe that may indicate a worn or burnt exhaust valve or a broken valve spring. Air leakage noise from the crankcase, oil level indicator tube, or oil fill tube that may indicate worn piston rings, a damaged piston, a worn or scored cylinder bore, a damaged engine block or a damaged cylinder head. Air bubbles in the cooling system may indicate a damaged cylinder head or a damaged cylinder head gasket.
- Perform the leakage test on the remaining cylinders and record the values.