The 2.0-liter engine found in Dodge and other Chrysler products is built by Mitsubishi, a Japanese company. It is available in two configurations, a double and singe overhead-camshaft design. To get more power out of the small engine, the compression is increased. Large engines, such as V-8 designs, typically have lower compression in the 135 pounds-per-square-inch range. The 2.0 engine is increased to 150 to 160 psi.
Raise the hood of the car and remove the fuel pump fuse. Use a 3/8-inch socket wrench and remove all of the spark plugs.
Screw a compression tester into the first spark plug hole and crank the engine over for four or five seconds. Read the compression gauge.
Repeat this process for each cylinder, going in order from the first spark plug hole to the last. Compare the readings. A defective cylinder will be lower than normal, or a blown head gasket between two cylinders will share the same low reading.
