I have a person who is interested in buying my '94 Touring, and he has asked if he could run (or have it done) a compression test -- can this test be done by him, or do you have to go to a shop to have it done? What is involved? Is there anyway it could harm the motor?
I know, I should know, but I've never had any problems with the car and just never had it done. Thanks in advance.

 

that's not a big deal, you can get it done at a shop, or you can do it yourself. it basically involves removing the sparkplugs and cranking the engine by hand with a compression tester in the sparkplug hole

 

http://www.fd3s.net/compression_test.html
http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/3r...ion_check.html

 

Remove Fuel Pump Fuse (this will save you a lot of heart-ache)

Remove Trailing plugs (both housings)

Press the gas petal to the floor (opening the throttle body to allow more are to pass through to give a better/ more accurate reading)

this will get you started.

 

If he wants a test, then he should be willing to pay for it... Therefore take it to a dealer and have them do it.

Nothing like having someone come over to look at your car and somehow screw it up... then walk away.

After the test, you should have a record of the test from the dealer that you can then show to any other perspective buyers who want it done.

 

A novice buyer. Tell him to drive the car and make and offer. A bad engine is pretty easy to notice. While a great test if you abuse the engine 1 hour after the test, over mod or otherwise stress it you can and quite possibly blow a seal. Unless you can predict the future you will not know how long an engine will last. The proper questions are how old is your current engine, did you do the proper maintainance, how was the car modified and did you drive it within reason or race it. You would likely pass the test within spec if the car runs and responds properly.

 

He is not a novice buyer. Perhaps a concerned buyer. There is no "cookie cutter" template that shows when a motor will go...

I agree with one of the above statements. Take it to a reputable location (local RX-7 shop) and get the test done. I think that the seller should pay for the test, as he can use the data for future buyers, should the first bail...

 

Maybe offer to split the cost of the test.

 

Any sensible FD buyer will request a compression test.

Any sensible seller will do one before trying to sell the car, though very few do.

 

yea why do you think we see so many i just blew my motor threads.