Compression/Leakdown test with engine out of car?

[Birdie2000]

Me being an idiot I got an engine on a stand yesterday completely forgetting that I wanted to do a compression test on it to see how the shortblock is going.

So, I can't use the starter on an engine stand since there's obviously no room to mount the flywheel. Can I do a compression test just by cranking by hand or do you need it to spin quickly via the starter? Can it be done accurately cold?

Leakdown test would be fine too if I can find a gauge to borrow/rent. Can this be done cold or will that be inaccurate?

 

[dave89iroc]

leakdown test will be fine cold, reading will be skewed slightly, but ok

compression test needs the starter

 

[Birdie2000]

Thanks!