[Vwdiesel] Compression check with Hyd lifters and Alum head

[Libbybapa at wmconnect.com]

Has anyone pondered this question.  How do you get an accurate reading of 
compression when you have hyd lifters and an aluminum head without 
damaging/galling threads.  I have read that one should NEVER remove steel spark 
plugs(Injectors too, I imagine) from a hot aluminum head.  Galling of the threads results. 
 But, hyd lifters bleed back when the engine shuts down (at least the ones 
the cam is currently pushing on), giving low compression readings until the oil 
pressure pumps them up.  The only solution I know of is to wait until engine 
is cold.  Disable ignition, crank like hell until oil pressure is right up to 
snuff, then take readings.  Few batteries will take that abuse happily.  Any 
other suggestions.  This issue comes up for me whenever I am going to sell a 
vehicle and someone wants to have their mechanic do a compression check.  I've 
seen too many spark plugs pop out of vw busses along with the threads.
Andrew