FAQ: Head Gasket Failure Symptoms and Testing
Okay, eventually we're going to put together some sort of FAQ...for now I want to post up some articles I've found that could be useful to many people. These will be eventually combined into a large technical FAQ. Enjoy :)
Head Gasket Failure http://library.alldatapro.com/alldat...41183/42401923 TYPES OF HEAD GASKET FAILURE External Coolant Leak - Coolant leaks out along the edges of the gasket from an internal coolant passage. This is often the result of loose or broken head bolts. Combustion Chamber to Coolant Leak - Combustion pressure forces its way past the armored skirt on the head gasket and into a coolant passage. Combustion Chamber to Combustion Chamber Leak - Combustion pressure forces its way past the armored skirt on the head gasket and into an adjacent cylinder. Oil Passage Leak - Oil leaks out along the edge of head gasket from an oil passage. SYMPTOMS External Coolant Leak - Coolant is visible leaking between the head and block. Combustion Chamber to Coolant Leak - White smoke in exhaust.(1) - Rapidly overheats. - Emits coolant from spark plug holes during a compression check.(1) - CO (carbon monoxide) detectable in radiator. - Spark plugs fouled with coolant.(1) - Oil contaminated with coolant.(1) (1) Could also be caused by an intake gasket coolant leak. Combustion Chamber to Combustion Chamber Leak - Low compression in two adjacent cylinders. - During a compression check, while one cylinder is on its compression stroke air is emitted from an adjacent cylinder and then drawn in during the intake stroke. This makes a very distinctive "whoosh-wheezing" sound. - During a leak down check, air is emitted from an adjacent cylinder Pressuring Testing Cooling System http://library.alldatapro.com/alldat...41183/42171266 HOW TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM - Pressure check the cooling system and visibly inspect the block to head sealing surface for signs of coolant leakage. - Remove all spark plugs and inspect for signs of coolant contamination. - With all of the spark plugs removed, crank the engine with the starter for several revolutions. If a combustion chamber to coolant leak exists, coolant will be expelled from the associated cylinder. WARNING: Keep clear of the engine compartment while performing this test. Coolant may be expelled from the spark plug holes with great force. Perform this test only with the engine cold. - Perform a compression test of all cylinders while observing the radiator coolant level. Low compression on two adjacent cylinders or air bubbling out of the radiator during the compression check may indicate a head gasket problem. - Inspect the oil for signs of coolant contamination. - With light contamination, the oil will a light creamy coffee color. - With heavy contamination the oil may appear thick and light tan in color. - If the engine has sat for a while, the water and oil may have separated. While draining the oil, the coolant will drain out first, followed by the oil. NOTE: Oil contaminated by coolant may also be caused by an intake manifold leak. http://library.alldatapro.com/alldat...41183/42401922 - Perform chemical combustion leak check. Any evidence of combustion gasses in the coolant indicates a head gasket leak. - Perform cylinder leakage check. Watch for bubbles in radiator (combustion chamber to coolant leak). Listen for air in adjacent cylinder (combustion leak between cylinders). NOTE: A cylinder leakage check utilizes regulated low pressure air to pressurize individual cylinders. |
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Haha, glad to help :) Let us know what you find out.
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Oil passage leak? Is that between the head and bottom?
I've been seeing oil leaking from there on my Integra. Help!! |
Originally Posted by Arrogant_
Oil passage leak? Is that between the head and bottom?
I've been seeing oil leaking from there on my Integra. Help!! |
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