What is the purpose of conducting compression tests on an engine?

Conducting compression tests on an engine serves a critical role in diagnosing the health of the engine's internal components. A compression test measures the maximum pressure generated within the engine cylinders during the compression stroke, which is crucial for proper engine operation.

The primary purpose of this test is to verify a diagnosis of low compression, which may indicate potential issues such as worn piston rings, leaking valves, or head gasket failure. Low compression can lead to poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and inefficient fuel combustion, so identifying whether this is a problem helps technicians determine the necessary repairs or maintenance actions.

Other tasks, such as cleaning the fuel system, inspecting electrical components, or adjusting carburetor settings, do not directly relate to the internal pressure dynamics of the engine that compression testing is designed to measure. These actions involve different systems and issues unrelated to the direct functionality and integrity of the engine's compression system.