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TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
Doing a block test is usually the test of choice to pinpoint a blown head gasket when all else fails (to confirm that the head gasket is blown).
You can buy a block tester in just about any auto parts store. 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 result 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 have 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
More 2.4L Chevy And Pontiac Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 2.4L Chevy and Pontiac tutorials here: GM 2.4L Index Of Articles.
Here's a list of articles, you'll find there:
- How To Test The MAP Sensor (2008-2012 2.4L Chevrolet Malibu).
- How To Do A Cylinder Balance Test (2.4L Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, G5, G6, Solstice).
- How To Test Engine Compression (2.4L Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, G5, G6, Solstice).
- When Should I Replace The Spark Plugs (2.4L Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, G5, G6, Solstice).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
