Correct procedure for compression test

[Guest]

Just got myself a compression tester. Never used one before, i reckon i know just about enough to make a mistake and get an inaccurate reading.
Would anyone care to enlighten me on the correct procedure for our bikes with CV carbs please.
Your help is appreciated.

[Steve]

Get the bike close to operating temperature, if possible.

Remove all the spark plugs.

Install the tester in one of the plug holes.

Hold the throttle open, crank the engine.

After four or five compression cycles, the needle will stop climbing.

Use the same number of compression cycles for each test, for consistency.

If the numbers are all on the low side, add a teaspoon of oil to each cylinder, repeat the tests.
If the numbers all come up, it's the rings that are causing the low numbers.

If the numbers are still low, adjust the valves (which probably needs to be done, anyway).

.

[landshark]

Thanks Steve,
Valves done 500km ago, but i have a head gasket leak so i am just doing some testing to see if the rings are good. I may just pull the barrels anyway, but want to see what ive got first.

[Steve]

When you pull the head, there is about a 99% chance that you have disturbed the seal on the base gasket, so you WILL be pulling the barrels to change it.

.

[landshark]

Oh joy!!!

[tkent02]

Are you sure it's the actual head gasket?

There are other leaks that mimic a head gasket leak.

[landshark]

Im pretty bloody sure, the engine has had a ****load of cleaning (not as good as some) and the oil appears directly from the gasket and pools below it on the fin in that 1 spot only, next to cylinder 1 about halfway between the spark plug and the front of the engine if memory serves.
Its a small leak, but its a leak.