Looks great!

One suggestion, if possible, regarding the testing-against-a-mazda-unit issue. Perhaps you could have it giv 2 sets of values, one for what you think is actually correct, with temperature correction and all that good stuf. And a second set of #'s calibrated exactly as mazda's units are calibrated. This would allow someone to know what to expect if they have to be tested by mazda, which is good to know going into some service scenarios. But you could also have otherwise properly "accurate" for comparison with other technical articles, etc.

Good luck!!

 

Thanks again for the interest and kind words guys. I do plan to do a group buy, but I feel there is still a ways to go before I'm to that point. Just yesterday I came across a bug when getting ready to do a second compression test on HeavyMetal's RX-8. So, testing and revising continues! :-)
On the subject of my tester versus the Mazda one, what it comes down to is that if there is any variance between the two then it can be easily compensated for. When I get the opportunity I will compare the two side by side and provide the results.
-John

 

Agreed, as long as the compression variance is constant across all 3 faces when compared to Mazda's unit, if it is not then you have problems.

 

My only concern is that I don't know how the Mazda unit works. It may very well store multiple readings from each face and then display an average. My unit does not do this. It displays each sample individualy and because of this I've seen up to a 1-2 psi variance per face during testing. Also, from reading in my FD FSM I've found that the Mazda tester will display a reading of 00.0 for any face below 45 psi! I don't understand why it does this....I know that anything close to 45 psi is most definately a bad engine, but why the cut off in display? I really wish that someone who has experience with the Mazda tester would chime in, or PM me.
-John

 

The last time I observed a Genuine Mazda CT was many years ago, it gave a paper/graph style readout.

I have again become friendly with the new Service adviser where I once worked and where I bought my 8 from last November, I will get him to show me their unit and see if I can find out more info.
If dealers in the US are using the Genuine Mazda CT, it should be the same as the Australian Mazda unit.
Ash

 

the mazda unit shows 8 values !!

(3 faces per rotor x 2) + 2 values for cranking speed


In Salonika, Greece, there is also another mazda unit that does the normalization per cranking speed @ 250 rpm as well, but i do not know of anyone else having this unit.

 

i have the official mazda unit and if you would like to know more about it just pm me...

 

twisted: Are you in Houston?

 

Holy bajebus. This is probably the best tool for ANYBODY with a rotary to have. I will 100% behind this when it comes out.

 

Sorry, guys...been real busy the past week. Found out that my dream job has an opening down in Corpus Christi, TX that will be filled in the next month or so! Rushed and got my resume put in, keep those fingers crossed! :-)

Claus: Thanks for the info!

Speedy: PM sent!

RotaryGod: Yes I am.

Cyber: Thanks, and that's why I built it. It's something I've wanted for over 5 years now!

Also, here's a link to a video of me testing my FD. These readings explain the lack of power. The car runs ok, just feels a bit sluggish and sometimes has some hot start issues. My RPM's are a little low so as per the FSM I'm still ok, just getting close to rebuild time. My FC tests at right around 100psi front and rear...too bad the wiring harness, ecu and intercooler are all still in pieces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VxHa79wdtw

 

Have we met at local club meets?

 

Maybe? I've only been to a couple back in Oct and Nov....we may have missed each other. I drove my red FD to both.
-John

 

if you can get RG to look at this in person.. you have no idea how much that will help sales.

 

I wouldn't go that far. I'd definitely love to see it and let everyone know how easy I think it is to use and whether I approve of it though. So far it looks nice. If it works good, I'll buy one.

 

What logic does it use to derive the compression values...does it use an instantaneous snapshot, max values for so many revs, or an average of the values for a specific period??

 

I think he said it doesn't average. It provides a new number each time a pulse is received. Much like you avatar it's "always changing". This isn't bad though as even though it may vary a slight amount, it's not enough to matter. The important thing is that you can see a trend. If you have one pulse that is up in the 90's but 2 that are in the 20's, you know you've got a problem.

 

RG: PM sent.

Dannobre: The tester displays the 3 peak compression pulses of each engine rotation. No internal averaging is done.

My next goal is to test a blown rotary and get a video of that up.
-John

 

Thanks RG, that is exactly right.
-John

 

Looks super useful, I'll be keeping an eye on this as well.

 

Well we took video of it working today. I still think this is the perfect compression testing tool. Honestly its as simple as simple can get giving you the information you want.

As far as how it compares to the mazda tester I believe that we (the forum) will build a database around this unit fairly quickly.

 

Really? a Mazda dealer? I dont think they will go for it man?

 

Great New Guys, looks like we will have a new RX-8 Club Millionaire SOON!!

Count me in on a group Buy please.....

WELL DONE TWISTED R

 

/\ ?

 

ASH8 are you feeling ok? lol

 

Getting a little carried away!!

Just a thought, I wonder Twister Rotors if your CT would or can be used on BANGER engines, just to give an indication (per Cylinder)...

Just a thought it may increase your market!


OK...BACK IN MY BOX!