TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
Some head gasket failures do not produce any of the symptoms that the previous three tests are designed to look for.
What usually happens, is that the head gasket failure only causes the engine to overheat within minutes of it being started and nothing else.
In these cases the only way to confirm that the problem is due to a head gasket failure is to perform a block test.
A block test simply involves using a chemical combustion leak detector tool that checks to see if combustion gases are leaking into the engine cooling system.
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%More 3.3L Pontiac Grand Am Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 3.3L Pontiac Grand Am tutorials in this index:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test Engine Compression Test (3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am).
- What Does The MAF Sensor Do? (3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am) (3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am).
- How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am).
- How To Test The MAF Sensor (3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
