Hello people, I have this 5HP. Snow Blower that seems to be lacking with power. I suspect low cyl. compression, but don't know which test to perform. After reading a bit on some forums, I found that a compression test may not be accurate, but rather a "Leak-down" test should be done. I believe the carb, and ignition are performing OK. Also, what should a Good compression reading be ? Thank-You, Nitrojc.

Here are the engine numbers ... 130292 ... 1061 02 ... 80090806 .

I'd do both. Compression should be at least 50-60 # for 4 cycle engine to start it, but also do a leak-down test,couldn't hurt.

What are the indications it is loosing power, has it happened all of a sudden or did it happen gradually. Have a good one. Geo

the cylinder walls may be galded, the piston may be warn, take the head off, wabble the piston, if it is tight you have a leak down, if it is loose, start checking in this area.

BSER, 50 -60# to start it; So, below that it wouldn't run. Please explain how the "leak-down" Test works. What would the cause/s be for low compression, excluding piston rings, and valve seats.
Also, the engine lacks power from 3/4 to WOT, Because it somehow Leans-out, then stumbles dropping in rpm. The carb has been soaked/cleaned, and a new fuel-pump kit installed. Spark, and ignition are Good. Thanks, JC.

To simplify it,a leak down is performed with a hose that screws into the plug hole,with a gauge attached it,then an air supply. What you're doing is forcing air into the combustion chamber,and the gauge tells what percentage,if any, of leak down you have. After you've done it several times,you don't need the gauge. You can pretty much tell by ear if too much air is blowing by the piston rings, valves,or by the head gasket(which of course you want zero blow-by from. VERY helpful when you working on deisels!!!

BSER, 50 -60# to start it; So, below that it wouldn't run. Please explain how the "leak-down" Test works. What would the cause/s be for low compression, excluding piston rings, and valve seats.
Also, the engine lacks power from 3/4 to WOT, Because it somehow Leans-out, then stumbles dropping in rpm. The carb has been soaked/cleaned, and a new fuel-pump kit installed. Spark, and ignition are Good. Thanks, JC.

If it is leaning out you may have an air leak(bad gasket/cracked intake), when it starts to stumble and drop rpm spray carb cleaner along the mating surfaces of the carb and intake, if the engine tempo changes you have found a leak. Have a good one. Geo

OK. Geo, Thanks for the Info, and tip.