compression testing a dead engine

[overider]

Hi, I have a spare engine that I took out of another moggy. I know it was making a knocking from the back R.H side of the engine when I removed it. I will hopefully find out the cause of that when I strip it down.
However, I do not know if the compression was ok. Can I some how do a compression test with the engine out? May be by turning it with the winding handle. Alternatively, do you know of another way? On the other hand, am I just better putting new ring on anyway?..

[Matt]

If you are stipping it anyway look at the condition of the bores.

Iy ou are desperate to do a comp. test make a stand and turn it over on the starter with no plugs in

[bmcecosse]

Yes - as Matt says - you can just lash it to something heavy and crank it over on the starter motor with some good jump leads. But if it was 'knocking' anyway - it's going to have to come to bits - and then any damage will be obvious. Cranking on the handle will never do it!