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2.4l EcoTec compression test, cylinder


rcweston
01-31-2018, 10:15 PM
2011 equinox lt 2.4 ecotec
I would like to preform a cylinder compression test. Ive removed covers, coils, and plugs. Undone the injector cable and prepared the compression tester, but the engine will not turn over. Tried plugging back in the injector cable, still will not turn over.
The only thing not connected is the coils above the plugs, they have to be off to remove the plugs.
It appears as if the car knows that it cant run like this and refuses to power up the starter motor.
Is this true and is there a way around it to make the tests?
Anyone know what are the compression specs, searching info on the internet is all over the place!
Thanks Rex

Blue Bowtie
01-31-2018, 10:41 PM
Instead of a cranking compression test, a cylinder leakage test may be more revealing.

If you can only perform a compression test, you may have to manually open the throttle plate (drive-by-wire) and manually have to operate the starter with a remote start switch connected to the solenoid instead of waiting on the PCM to crank the engine via its pre-programmed routine (including the release on start, delays, etc.).

rcweston
01-31-2018, 11:57 PM
It finally turned over. had to reconnect all electrical except coils, then turn key completely off and wait a few minutes. then it turned the engine over, but the injectors were still working. Could not find a fuel pump relay. Not under the hood, not in fuse panel inside of cab. Maybe they called it something different!
Compression read 140, 145,145,145.
leak down test showed ok all cylinder, but not great.
Still burns a lot of oil! a couple of quarts in 3000 miles.
It runs great, sounds great! has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder. I'm impressed with it! But it is still using way too much oil.
Dealer knows these cars in 2010 and 2011 have troubles with oil and an extended warranty fix it, but mine was damaged with a hail storm and it now has a branded title and they won't touch it, only to repair safety items....
don't know what I'll do next!
hope this helps someone else.
thanks for you help

rcweston
02-01-2018, 12:01 AM
one last item that might be helpful, when I opened the throttle plate, the car refused to turn over again. So I let it set as before and after 5 minutes, it turned over without any issues. Tried it twice to make sure, and it fail to turn over both times with the throttle plate force open.

maxwedge
02-01-2018, 08:47 AM
Hmm, you may want to remind the dealer that the Magnuson-Moss act provides that the manufacturer cannot deny warranty work without determining that the hail damage to your vehicle is a causation related to oil consumption. Look up the info on this rule online. It is possible that any car with a salvage title is exempt because the reason for issuing the title may not be specific.

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