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Checking for head gasket leaks

flick427

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flick427 Enthusiast

flick427

Posted
Posted

I posted another topic in a different thread about my truck problem.

But...

 

I wanted to know specifically about checking for a head gasket leak vs. intake manifold leak etc.

I wanted to know if the mechanic/technician can pressure test the engine while everything is assembled and see if in fact there is or is not a leak and where it is (if it's a head gasket).

And...about how much does this "test" cost and what does is done for it???

I was going to have it checked (tested) by the same people who dump the old green radiator nonsense out and refill it with something better like the first mechanic should have done.

I only have about 6 days and I'm moving...wish I would have noticed this sooner. :)

 

Thanks,

Michael

Mr. Smith Enthusiast

Mr. Smith

Posted
Posted
I posted another topic in a different thread about my truck problem.

But...

 

I wanted to know specifically about checking for a head gasket leak vs. intake manifold leak etc.

I wanted to know if the mechanic/technician can pressure test the engine while everything is assembled and see if in fact there is or is not a leak and where it is (if it's a head gasket).

And...about how much does this "test" cost and what does is done for it???

I was going to have it checked (tested) by the same people who dump the old green radiator nonsense out and refill it with something better like the first mechanic should have done.

I only have about 6 days and I'm moving...wish I would have noticed this sooner.  :chevy:

 

Thanks,

Michael

 

 

 

 

Are you saying you intake gasket is leaking with the green crap? I can't believe that...Stop the presses.. An if you read the messages here I thought it was only that evil Dexcool. :)

 

Just have a pressure tester put on it. Anyone with half a brain ought to be able to do it.

flick427 Enthusiast

flick427

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Are you saying you intake gasket is leaking with the green crap? I can't believe that...Stop the presses.. An if you read the messages here I thought it was only that evil Dexcool. :)

 

Just have a pressure tester put on it. Anyone with half a brain ought to be able to do it.

 

 

 

 

Well, I don't blame Green Coolant or Dex-Cool for any corrosion problems. The water is what I blame...and that is really unavoidable in all reality unless you can stop corrision with some other chemical. My motorcycle has corrosion on it because of the aluminum parts in various places, and I know it has nothing to do with coolant of any sort. Iron produces rust when it corrodes, all other metals are just corroded but I don't know of any special names for the process in each metal. Anyway, it is the water however the process can be enhanced by other chemicals breaking down. My motorcycle uses NO coolant, it is air cooled...even the oil cooler...It is the moisture in the air and the dirty water that sits on it as the fog rolls in because I have no garage for it... :chevy:

 

Back to the truck...

The real reason for wanting the orange fluid (or extended life) back in is because I will be travelling through the Mojave Desert in the near middle of the summer her in about seven (7) days. After that I have a few other hot dry climates to drive througn all while the truck bed is filled with household goods and while pulling a small trailer with my motorcyle.

I don't know much about the yellow coolant but if it dissapates heat faster, I want some if it is "compatible" with my 1996 5.7L engine.

I don't have the time to completely rebuild or clean out a radiator, so I guess I'm going to shortcut the whole ordeal.

I will most likely go with Prestone Coolant that has the rust inhibitors and lubricants.

 

Now, about that head gasket...

I will have it tested this week to see if it is a problem or not.

 

If it is a problem...what is the approximate cost estimate for replacement...

And...

How much time (will it delay the trip much if I leave 17 June and bring it in on the 13th of June)???

 

Thanks again...

mmmikkke Senior Enthusiast

mmmikkke

Posted
Posted

If you *do* end up having a marginal cooling situation during your trip, dropping your speed by 5 or 10 mph will reduce the amount of heat your engine's generating, making your marginal cooling situation more adequate. Keep that in mind. Beats overheating.

  • 2 weeks later...
WestCoaster Enthusiast

WestCoaster

Posted
Posted

Intake coolant leaks easily diagnosed with a pressure tester. Some places perform this cheaply....around $19.99, others charge flat rate. '96 5.7's are notorious for eating up the quick disconnect heater hose connector on the manifold or the hose end itself being a formed aluminum alloy piece. Galvanic corrosion is the culprit. Routine coolant system checks will help determine when to change the coolant.

 

Head gasket checks are a little tougher, but I have good luck using Block Check, a chemical additive in the coolant that detects hydrocarbons from combustion by-products. The way they get into the coolant is from a head gasket leak. Some mechanics use their gas analyzer or smog machine to detect HC's in the coolant too. Holding it over the filler neck and taking readings.

 

I just had the wife (ASE Master Tech) pull the heads off my 98 GMC and check for valve stem clearance issues in three days. One day to pull it down, one day at the machine shop, and one day of reassembly. About $1700 if I had to pay for it fully.

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