Features:

  • Designed to perform compression tests to help identify damaged pistons, worn rings, burnt valves, and blown head gaskets
  • Works on conventional, electronic, and computerized domestic and import vehicles
  • Features 2-1/2-inch dial face with Bourdon tube meter and dual-calibrated scales which read 0-300 P.S.I. and 0-2100 k.P.a.
  • Includes 15-inch rubber hose, side release valve and adapters (12mm, 14mm and 18mm)
  • Can also be used for motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, and marine applications
Good for small engines

So far so good for small engines... I'm using it for chainsaw testing. An advantage to this INNOVA unit is that the schrader valve is at the end of the tubing where it threads into the spark plug hole. You want that valve as close to the cylinder as possible in order to get accurate readings. I've used this tester on numerous chainsaws with/without scored pistons and it's working well. Versus the harbor freight 8 piece kit #62638 (to possibly save some people some time & effort): I initially bought the harbor freight 8 piece kit #62638 and returned it... That turned out to be a piece of junk. First it was giving me readings in the 60-65 psi range on known good chainsaws like a 372xp that use all the time (read 155psi with the INNOVA versus 60 psi with the HF 62638). A chainsaw generally won't even start until you get well over 100psi depending on manufacturer. The INNOVA was reading a more believable 150-170 psi on my chainsaws that are perfectly operational and 115psi on a 390xp with a slightly scored piston/cylinder. Another issue with the harbor freight is that one of the connections fell apart after 2 days of use.

Easy to use and you will know where you stand ...

If you do any small engine work either for profit or just a tune up on you own stuff a compression check can save you a lot of time troubleshooting starting issues. Easy to use and you will know where you stand with the engine right away.

I replaced the ring adn tested the compression again and it read higher like it should

Ive only used it once so far on a chainsaw but it worked. It showed a low reading, telling me my ring was stuck. I replaced the ring adn tested the compression again and it read higher like it should. Great for occasional use. I would guess if you're a pro and plan on using this often you would want one of better quality, but for the average homeowner it should be fine.

Better than expected.

I was expecting a tool that would be OK to use a few times and then would end up in the trash, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this tester. The rubber hose seems to be of very good quality, the fittings are well made and connect securely and tightly. The gauge seems to be very accurate. I am particularly pleased with the way the rubber hose reacts to hand input to guide the tip into the sparkplug hole. 5 stars.

Easy 1-man operation and very accurate.

This is the second compression tester I have purchased. The first (not this brand) sounded like it had marbles rolling around inside. Amazon refunded the item and I went with this brand based on ratings. Easy to use, has a telltale feature in that it holds the highest reading till you release the pressure with the button. Makes it a lot easier when doing compression test by yourself. Would buy it again.

Good for the price.

A misfire my cost $1000 at the dealership, if you don't have some right tools. Checked with Multi-System Scanner Amazon, and found misfire at cylinder 4. Checked the compression, with INNOVA 3612 Compression Tester, was O.K. No cylinder head gasket problem. Checked the Spark. No spark. Replaced spark plugs no spark. Checked the spark between the coil pack and ground. No Spark at Cylinder 4. Based on the diagnostic, replaced the spark Plugs, spark plug wires and the coil pack. Problem Solved.

For accuracy, Schrader valve must be close as possible to cylinder

Looking for a decent compression tester at a good price was a bit confusing, the tip I'd have is to make sure it has a Schrader valve (or check valve) at the adapter end of hose, some have none and instead have it up at the gauge which of course will give a false low reading. This one has it on hose so I am recommending it at this point and want to update the review after using it awhile.

Decent choice for compression testing

Pretty solid compression tester. Only complaint is it doesn’t have a case for storage. This isn’t something I want tossed around in a toolbox and what not. Seems accurate and was one of the more economical yet reliable compression testers out there.

Nice kit - Good quality

Good value kit. It did not have the 10 MM connector I needed, but I did not know I needed it at the time I ordered the kit. There is a 3614 kit for a little more that does include it. You will need it if you are working on dirt bikes.

Works well

Used this to test compression in my Mustang and was able to see I have very low compression on 2 and 3 so this has helped me diagnose what's going on with my motor(hopefully its the headgasket). The tester is easy to use and read. I did a few tests on cylinder 1 again and again to see if I got any difference and reading and it was showing me the same number every time so it seems consistent.

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