I recently confirmed I have very low compression, low enough where the car shouldn't idle, which leads me to believe the head is the culprit. I want to confirm before I send it out to have the head rebuilt. So, I have the cylinder leakage gauge and got ready to do the test. I tried to place a socket and ratchet on the crank to turn the motor to get each cylinder into TDC. Problem is there is no space to put the socket and ratchet from the top. My solution is to use the "nut" on the cams to turn the motor. Is that OK or does anyone have advice?

 

You need a 1/2" Extension and 1/2" Rachet. It plugs in the square hole.

 

And you get to it from wheel well with front right wheel off.
​​​​​​​I guess you can use the exhaust cam bolt but that isn't recommend.

 

Theoretical problem with turning the cam gear to turn the engine is that your timing belt tensioner can release enough tension where there is enough slack to skip a tooth on oil and crank sprockets. I haven't heard of that happening to anyone, yet.