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The Pressure Distribution Test

The Pressure Distribution test is sometimes referred to as a Power Distribution test as well.

The test looks at the amperage draw of the starter motor as each cylinder performs it's compression stroke.  The amount of amps the starter draws increases with high compression and decreases with low compression. The test is performed with two inductive coil clamps, one on the starter cable, the other on number 1 coil so the diagnostic computer can determine what stroke is what cylinder.  We do not know the origin of the numeric value the results are given in, but 2.00 is perfect. The worst we have heard of is 1.74 on an engine that would not start.

If any cylinder on your car scores below 1.94 on this test, that cylinder has "failed" the pressure distribution test, and the dealer should proceed to complete a leakdown test.

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