Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
Here is how I built a quick and easy pressure gauge system to see if my Jet Ski engine was leaking.
To add air pressure, I was using a simple electric compressor used for inflating tires. You could also use a bike tire. Just be careful not to push in too much pressure as I've heard that even 10 pounds could push out your crank seals.
Air Gauge:
You want a gauge that has low numbers. If it goes all the way up to 200 psi, you won't be able to tell if it's losing a pound or two. This is the one I bought which goes to 15 psi: homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-15-psi-1-10-Increment-Compressed-Air-Test-Gauge-94352/100180536
Adapters:
Step down 1:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-MIP-x-1-2-in-FIP-Brass-Bushing-Fitting-802339/207176753?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-207176753-_-N
Step down 2:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-MIP-x-1-4-in-FIP-Brass-Bushing-Fitting-802639/207176802
Step down 3 to hose:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-Barb-x-1-4-in-MIP-Brass-Adapter-Fitting-800119/300096726
Compressor:
I just used this cheap one from Walmart. It's a pain because it runs on DC power, so I had to buy a converter to plug it in my shop. walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-12-Volt-Handheld-Digital-Air-Compressor-CDC120S/108168976
Here is how I built a quick and easy pressure gauge system to see if my Jet Ski engine was leaking.
To add air pressure, I was using a simple electric compressor used for inflating tires. You could also use a bike tire. Just be careful not to push in too much pressure as I've heard that even 10 pounds could push out your crank seals.
Air Gauge:
You want a gauge that has low numbers. If it goes all the way up to 200 psi, you won't be able to tell if it's losing a pound or two. This is the one I bought which goes to 15 psi: homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-15-psi-1-10-Increment-Compressed-Air-Test-Gauge-94352/100180536
Adapters:
Step down 1:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-MIP-x-1-2-in-FIP-Brass-Bushing-Fitting-802339/207176753?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-207176753-_-N
Step down 2:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-MIP-x-1-4-in-FIP-Brass-Bushing-Fitting-802639/207176802
Step down 3 to hose:
homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-Barb-x-1-4-in-MIP-Brass-Adapter-Fitting-800119/300096726
Compressor:
I just used this cheap one from Walmart. It's a pain because it runs on DC power, so I had to buy a converter to plug it in my shop. walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-12-Volt-Handheld-Digital-Air-Compressor-CDC120S/108168976
