How To Test For a Bad Engine

Опубликовано 13 февраля 2026, 16:11

Sometimes engine failure is obvious, sometimes not so much. This video details how to determine if you have a ‘bad’ engine in your vehicle and also provides information on what your choices are if you do need an engine.

This video also focuses on the Honda VCM system and its potential problems found on many J series Honda V6 engines equipped with that system.

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Tools (some are affiliate links)

Compression Tester: amzn.to/4qwtMvp

Leak Down Tester: amzn.to/3MFmKqs

Scan Tool I Used: amzn.to/4arsagx

VCM Tuner: vcmtuner.com?sca_ref=10635045....

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00:00 Introduction
00:25 Types of Engine Failures
02:07 First Steps
03:21 Checking the Engine with a Scan Tool
05:18 Power Balance Test
09:00 Spark Plug Inspection
13:20 Compression Test
20:44 Leak Down Test
25:11 Moisture Under Oil Cap
31:34 Interpreting Data
32:26 The Honda VCM System
35:22 Your Choices if You Have a Bad Engine
39:55 What I’m Doing with this Pilot

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