I've heard this is a really good way of diagnosing internal engine problems. I'd like to perform this along with a compression check and a visual inspection of the camshafts and lobes.

What's the best way to turn the engine over? I'd like to turn it at the crankshaft pulley, is there a special socket or anything I'll need to do that?

Is it safe to have the valve cover open when turning the crankshaft in order to observe the camshafts?

 

Is there a DIY out there somewhere? If so, I haven't been able to find it.

 

a compression check tells you the peak PSI in each cylinder, a leakdown check tells you if any of that pressure is leaking past the valves or piston rings. for a leak down, you turn the engine until the piston is at TDC and watch the gauge to see if you loose pressure.

a breaker bar on the crankshaft, i forget the socket size, probably 16-18mm

and yes

 

Thanks!

 

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ter/index.html

A decent article with pictures. You can borrow the tool from store like AutoZone.

 

Just what I was looking for! thanks.

If I'm going to be doing a leak down test anyway, is it even necessary to do a compression check?

 

They are usually done together. A compression test tells you just that... compression. If it's low, you may have a mechanical issue, if it's high, you might have some carbon buildup. The leak down will tell you where the issue is, if you find you have low compression or it is not a nice even reading across the block.

 

Ok, thanks.