Compression test on engine stand

So just imported a TD5 to the US to re engine my old ex mod 90 12j.
Saw the engine run in uk before i shipped it but keen to check the compression on while its out of the green machine. Any suggestions on how to do this with it just on an engine stand? Turning over by hand not ideal I realize but if anyone has some rough compression number from hand cranking that would be awesome.
And any other ideas on how to check comprssion on a td5 not in a vehicle would be sweeeet!

Thanks!

you got the electric controllers with the engine?

Don't know about TD5 but I've done it twice on other landy engines by cranking on the starter with glowplugs out.
It's easy to wire the starter up and a friend helping is useful during the test.

I do have the wiring loom and starter.
Trouble is its on a stand now and flywheel has to be off to be on the stand.
Thinking I could maybe rig something to turn it over off the crankshaft bolt at the front...
Thanks tho

Alistair Davidson said:

I do have the wiring loom and starter.
Trouble is its on a stand now and flywheel has to be off to be on the stand.
Thinking I could maybe rig something to turn it over off the crankshaft bolt at the front...
Thanks tho

Click to expand...

Hi there the td5 only has 4 glow plugs so you would miss a cylinder doing it this way... Most popular is the electronic compression test... If it starts instantly without heat I wouldn’t worry about compression

I have done electronic compression tests on probably hundreds of TD5's with a current clamp and a Pico laptop based scope.As already said if you saw the engine start and run well before purchase you don't need to worry.Unless there is a concern about rough running or bad smoke issues, I doubt you would find anywhere near a 10% difference in cylinder pressures in a well running engine,even with a large mileage. bent rods,head gaskets,etc,etc - will show up with the engine running.Even though the engine ecu will try its best to even out individual cylinder performance.