Metal in Motion shows you how to perform a leak down test on a small engine...specifically a single cylinder Intek Briggs and Stratton. A leak down test will show you specifically what is leaking in your engine and how much its leaking. For this reason, I prefer the leak down test over the compression test, although I still do the compression test just because it's so easy.

**On some engines, you may be required to turn the engine 1/4 inch past top dead center on the compression stroke to bypass the compression release mechanism. Do this by using the rod you have rested against the piston. When it's at its max height, continue rotating the engine in the direction it normally turns, until the rod drops down 1/4 inch. Then lock the engine down and test**