Pull all the spark plugs and unplug the coil wire. Pull the fuel pump fuses ... I believe there's 2 of them. Now get you a compression tester and thread it into number 1 cylinder. Crank it for a few seconds then check the reading. Continue until you've done all the cylinders that way. They should all read >150 or so. And they should all be about the same psi. If they're all low, then you've got worn rings or bad valve seals. If some are low and some are high, then you've got a problem with which cylinders are low ... usually that's number 2-3 right next to each other and it's because the head gasket has failed between the 2 cylinders.

There are at least 2 types of compression testers. One that screws into the cylinder and one that seals with a rub plug that you hold against the cylinder. You REALLY want the screw in one. It's a lot more accurate and less susceptible to human error. Not to mention a lot easier to use because you can do it all by yourself.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />