How Do I Know if My ATV Needs New Rings?

Compression testing the ATV can tell you the condition of its rings.

Your ATV is a powerful off-road machine that has the capability to take you places few other vehicles can. Maintaining the ATVs mechanical components is vital to avoiding a long walk home. One of these parts is the engine's rings. These are the metal seals between each engine cylinder and block. As an engine ages the rings become worn and loose their seal. This reduces the motor's power and can cause it to burn oil.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Ratchet
• Wrench
• Compression tester

Instructions

1. Remove the ATV's spark plug wires by pulling them off. Follow the plugs to the connection to the coil and unplug them there as well.

2. Remove the ATV's spark plugs with a socket and ratchet.

3. Screw the compression tester into the first engine plug hole and gently tighten with a wrench.

4. Hold the ATV's throttle to the handle bar and turn the engine over with the ignition switch.

5. Watch the compression gauge's needle. It will jump each time the engine turns over. The pressure the gauge reads on the last revolution is the pressure in that cylinder. Repeat this process for each cylinder.

6. Compare the results of of your test to the manufacturer's specification for your ATV.

References

• Jsalmi: How to do a Compression Test