I read on one of the other post that there is a test you can buy to check whether or not you have a head gasket leaking by checking the antifreeze. Does anyone know where to buy this whether it is on the web or auto parts chain? And maybe help with the name and part number. Thanks for any help.
Head gasket leak tester?
- Thread starter bri26064
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Mr Anonymous
Tire Wall
Just change the oil. If there's water/coolant in it, well, then you have a problem. Otherwise a compression test is the best way.
I am just trying to find out why my car is on the edge of overheating. It has a new waterpump (last year), hoses, thermostat(tested), O2 sensors, radiator, and other assorted items. I just can't narrow it down, and it is ******* me off. It use to run great. ****, I drove across the Nevada desert in 110 degree heat with the A/C on the entire time and it always was down below the M of normal. My only other explanation is maybe a coolant passage is blocked. I have done the prestone flush, but I am going to track down a place that does a pressure flush. After that I am stumped. The fan is working, it has plenty of coolant, and I am at my wits end. God help me.
rangerj
Active Member
There are a couple of tests that can assist you in determining if you have a head gasket leak. The fist is as stated above, that is a compression test.
Next is the pressure test for the cooling system. The tester is attached to the place where the radiator cap goes and pressure is pumped up and watched to see if it holds. Any leaks should show up under pressure.
Then, as also stated above, you check the oil for any signs of anti-freeze in the oil.
There is also a chemicle test to determine if there is exaust gas in the coolant, which would indicate a head gasket leak. The test kit is available from most auto parts stores and is about $50, maybe less.
A good shop would also have a probe testor that can test for exaust in the coolant.
However, before you start spending money for test equipment and/or shop time check all of you cooland hoses for good connections and for good condition. This includes the numerous little hoses, especially the one from the radiator neck to the overflow bottle.
The system creates a vacuum when it cools down because the cooland is expanded while hot and it condenses as it cools. This condensing creates the vacuum. A loose hose connection, or a pin hole or crack in a hose, will allow air to be sucked into the system. the air will cause temperature spikes untill it is expelled through the expansion bottle.
When the system cools down the cycle starts all over again. Check the expansion bottle very closely also. A radiator cap is also a frequent cause of the problem. The seal gets worn or the spring looses its tension. I replace my cap every year as cheap insurance.
Next is the pressure test for the cooling system. The tester is attached to the place where the radiator cap goes and pressure is pumped up and watched to see if it holds. Any leaks should show up under pressure.
Then, as also stated above, you check the oil for any signs of anti-freeze in the oil.
There is also a chemicle test to determine if there is exaust gas in the coolant, which would indicate a head gasket leak. The test kit is available from most auto parts stores and is about $50, maybe less.
A good shop would also have a probe testor that can test for exaust in the coolant.
However, before you start spending money for test equipment and/or shop time check all of you cooland hoses for good connections and for good condition. This includes the numerous little hoses, especially the one from the radiator neck to the overflow bottle.
The system creates a vacuum when it cools down because the cooland is expanded while hot and it condenses as it cools. This condensing creates the vacuum. A loose hose connection, or a pin hole or crack in a hose, will allow air to be sucked into the system. the air will cause temperature spikes untill it is expelled through the expansion bottle.
When the system cools down the cycle starts all over again. Check the expansion bottle very closely also. A radiator cap is also a frequent cause of the problem. The seal gets worn or the spring looses its tension. I replace my cap every year as cheap insurance.
LJRuddy
Pop lock n drop
Also, i know that when i replaced the thermostat on my SHO, an air pocket got into the block. And if anyone has done coolant jobs, they know how much of a pain an air pocket can be in the engine. They are almost impossible to get out unless you flush the system out and while they are in the engine, they can cause temp spikes at random. Its possible you dont have any leaks at all. You might just have air in your engine from the coolant system replacement.
Rockledge
Pluggin' away
Regarding T-stats, did the one that you installed have a "jiggle valve" in it?
Also, you said the fan is working, but is it kicking on at the approriate temperature? FWIW, after I changed the radiator and T-stat, my SHO's cooling fan didn't work properly. Turns out I had a bad ECT. Once I replaced that, everything worked perfect.
Also, you said the fan is working, but is it kicking on at the approriate temperature? FWIW, after I changed the radiator and T-stat, my SHO's cooling fan didn't work properly. Turns out I had a bad ECT. Once I replaced that, everything worked perfect.
ShelbyDoug
SHO Member
I'm not saying that it is a good test but if the compression ring on the head gasket is going away (they rust or rot out with age) then you will have anti freeze in the combustion chamber and thus into the exhaust. Anti freeze is nasty on the oxygen sensors. It will **** them. You won't always notice any steam in the exhaust if it is a really small leak (a drip). Are your sensors working ok?
If you have the scent of anti-freeze and can't find a leak and if you are adding even small but constant amounts, these are symtoms of a rotted out compression ring on the head gasket. This won't necessarilly show in the oil.
The engine can run for quite awhile under this condition but when it really blows you will crack the cylinder head from the heat.
The SHO head gasket is not particularly suseptable to bad head gaskets but you don't want to be the unlucky one.
If you have the scent of anti-freeze and can't find a leak and if you are adding even small but constant amounts, these are symtoms of a rotted out compression ring on the head gasket. This won't necessarilly show in the oil.
The engine can run for quite awhile under this condition but when it really blows you will crack the cylinder head from the heat.
The SHO head gasket is not particularly suseptable to bad head gaskets but you don't want to be the unlucky one.
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