Cylinder Pressure Indicator

A device used to the measure the compression and firing pressures on diesel and natural gas engines. These devices can be used to measure a) cylinder compression (not firing) and firing pressures and b) evaluate the load balance across a running engine.

1. If a loss of engine power is suspected, measuring peak cylinder pressures is often a first step in locating potential deficiencies. If a measured cylinder pressure is significantly lower than indicated in the specification of the engine, wear has probably occurred.
2. Diesel and natural gas engines operate most efficiently when each engine cylinder carries an equal portion of the total load. By using a cylinder pressure indicator, overloaded and underloaded cylinders can be identified, so the necessary corrective action can be initiated to maintain the engine’s overall efficiency.

See also Peak Firing Pressure.