Harbor Freight has a $25 diesel compression tester with the necessary adapters to go in through the glow plug holes. Need the 90 degree adapter on at least one. Pull a vacuum on the shut off valve while doing the test to stop fuel flow.

Warm engine. Pull all the glow plugs, pull the vacuum on the shut off, install tester in one hole, crank engine for a number of compression strokes. Read gauge. Move to the next.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I have seen this before but how do you get the engine warm ?
Run the engine, warm it up, then quickly pull the GP and do the compression test before it cools down ? or there is something I am missing ?

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

I believe the spec tells you a min temp of 70 degrees C. So if take the Engine for a 10-15 minute drive and when you come back the Engine temp is 80 something degrees C you have a little time to do the test before it drops to 70C.
It requires you to organize everthing before hand. Have all the tools ready.
You might even do a practice run on 1 or 2 of the hardest Cylinders to get at while the Engine is cold.
A 17mm Crows Foot on an Extension is handy for the Hard lines on the Injector and IP (or a 17mm Flare Nut Wrench). I do not have one but other Members like to use a 12mm Ratcheting Gear Wrencn on the Glow Plugs.

If you put the pointer over the Resourses button in the upper right hand corner and select and click on DIY Links you will find more detailed proceedures on the Compression Check.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel