TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
In some cases, a blown head gasket will not present any of the symptoms the previous three tests are designed to confirm. In these cases, the engine simply overheats within minutes of starting.
The best way to diagnose this type of head gasket failure is by doing a block test with a combustion lead tester (commonly known as a block tester).
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%Related Test Articles
You'll find a complete list of How To test articles for the 1.8L and 2.4L SOHC Mitsubishi (Chrysler and Dodge) vehicles in here: Mitsubishi 2.4L Index Of Articles.
Here's a small sample of the articles, you'll find:
- How To Test The Engine Compression (Mitsubishi 1.8L, 2.4L).
- How To Test The Oxygen Sensor (O2S11) (Mitsubishi 1.8L, 2.4L).
- MAF Sensor Test (2.4L, 3.0L Mitsubishi 1999-2004).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
