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TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
Unfortunately, not all head gasket failures can be diagnosed with the previous three tests.
In some cases, the head gasket will allow the engine to start, but it'll cause the engine to overheat within minutes.
The only way to accurately determine that the head gasket is causing the overheating issue is to perform a block test with a combustion leak detector (commonly known as a block tester).
In a nutshell, this is how a block tester works:
- A blue liquid chemical, which is blue in color, is placed in the tester (see photo above).
- The tester assembly is then placed on the open radiator neck (you may have to drain some of the coolant in the radiator since this tool needs to 'gulp' some of the air inside the radiator).
- The rubber bellow is then squeezed to suck in the air up through the two fluid-filled chambers. As the air bubbles up through the fluid, it will cause a chemical reaction.
- If the blue chemical turns yellow (for gasoline engines), then combustion gases are entering the radiator. This confirms a blown head gasket, a cracked block, or a cracked cylinder head issue.
- If the blue chemical doesn't change color, then you can conclude that you don't a blown head gasket, a cracked block, or a cracked cylinder head issue.
Where can you get the chemical and block tester? At your local auto parts store or here:
20%$10.40
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
