Blown Head Gasket Tests (1997-1999 V8 Dodge Dakota, Durango)

TEST 2: Coolant Shooting Out From Open Radiator

The second most common test done, to check for a blown head gasket, is to see if the coolant will shoot out from the radiator when the engine is being cranked.

This test simply involves removing the radiator cap, making sure the radiator is topped off, and then cranking the engine.

If one of the two head gaskets is blown, the coolant will be shot out of the radiator.

IMPORTANT: Never open or remove the radiator cap with a hot engine! If the engine has been running for any length of time, let it cool down completely.

Let's get started.

1. 1

   Remove the radiator's cap. Check to see if there is coolant in the radiator. If the radiator is empty, add some water or coolant to bring it up to the radiator's neck level.

2. 2

   Crank the engine with the help of helper, while you stand at a safe distance from the open radiator.

3. 3

   You'll see one of two results:
   
   1.) The water or coolant inside the radiator will shoot up and out of the now open radiator.
   
   2.) The coolant will not be disturbed. In other words, cranking the engine will have no effect on the level of the Water or coolant in the radiator.

Let's take a look at what your test result:

CASE 1: The coolant bubbled out or shot out from the radiator. This is bad news since it confirms that your Dodge Dakota (Durango) has a blown head gasket.

CASE 2: The coolant DID NOT bubble out NOR shoot out from the radiator. This is the correct and expected test result.

If your Dodge Dakota or Durango's engine starts, runs, but runs with a misfire, go to: TEST 3: Engine Compression Test.

If your Dodge Dakota or Durango's engine starts and runs WITHOUT a misfire, go to: TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester).

TEST 3: Engine Compression Test

In some cases, one of the head gaskets on your Dodge will burn between two adjacent cylinders.

Even though the engine starts and runs, those 2 cylinders will be dead. So you'll see the check engine light lit up by two misfire trouble codes.

In these cases, a compression test will help pinpoint the problem and confirm if the head gasket is burned between two cylinders (or not).

If your Dodge Dakota (Durango) isn't running with a misfire, you can skip this test and go to: TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester).

These are the test steps:

1. 1

   Remove all eight spark plugs.
   
   Disable the ignition system by disconnecting the ignition coil from its engine wiring harness connector.

2. 2

   Thread in the compression tester by hand, on the first spark plug hole you're gonna' start with.
   
   Do not use any tools to tighten the compression tester. Hand tightening the compression tester is more than enough to get the proper results.

3. 3

   Have a helper crank the engine till the needle on the gauge stops climbing.
   
   On a piece of paper, write down the reading and what cylinder it belongs to (you can use the illustration above to help you identify the cylinder). Repeat the above steps in the remaining 3 cylinders.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: All cylinder compression readings where above 0 PSI. This is the correct and expected test result.

Now, if you need/want to interpret your compression test results more thoroughly, see this tutorial: How To Test Engine Compression (Chrysler 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L) (at: troubleshootmyvehicle.com).

CASE 2: Two side by side cylinders had 0 PSI compression. This engine compression test result confirms that the head gasket is burned thru' at the point between those two cylinders. You'll need to replace the head gasket.