Checking overall engine condition on a stand

I have an ej22t turbo subaru motor on an engine stand and I'm about to decide what I want to do with it.

I'd like to do a compression test as I have a compression tester, but since the engine is cold I don't know how accurate it's going to be.

I considered buying a leakdown tester which would be better I suppose but I'm worried about the same thing... cold engine.

What is the viability of doing pressure related tests on a cold motor?

Is there any other good way to check the overall condition of the motor before I decide to rebuild it?

And lastly, are there any tricks for checking main/rod bearing condition other than pulling it apart and doing visual checks/plastigauge?

On a stand there is not a lot you can do. Forget a compression test, you won't be able to crank the engine fast enough. A leak down is your only option. Since you will be comparing readings, I don't see the temperature being a problem. Excessive leakage by the rings could be from lack of lubrication. A lot depends on how long the engine has set. As for the bearings, a physical check is about it.

Would you say a leakdown would be worth doing?

I just have this feeling that the rings would be the 'weakest point' in a non-lubricated, cold engine... and thus would prevent me from listening for any other leaking locations such as valves/headgasket etc.

Couldn't you just put some oil in the cylinders?

You could try a cylinder fogger. Amsoil has one. Or maybe just some oil and turn the engine over a few times. Leakage past the rings should not be a problem since any there would come out the breather where valves would come out the related ports. Any way, an initial leak down with a proper gauge will tell you if there is excessive leakage.

about the best you can do is pull the pan, pull the main cap farthest from the oil pump, and look at the condition of the bearing.

iceracer wrote: You could try a cylinder fogger. Amsoil has one. Or maybe just some oil and turn the engine over a few times. Leakage past the rings should not be a problem since any there would come out the breather where valves would come out the related ports. Any way, an initial leak down with a proper gauge will tell you if there is excessive leakage.

AngryCorvair wrote: about the best you can do is pull the pan, pull the main cap farthest from the oil pump, and look at the condition of the bearing.

These are both fantastic ideas!

That's why I ask questions like this on GRM.

Off to source a leakdown tester...