Methods For Diagnosing Blown Head Gasket, Warped or Cracked Head

In this video I go over some methods that are commonly used to diagnose a blown head gasket or warped cylinder head or cracked cylinder head. In this video these methods are actually employed on a vehicle with a cylinder head gasket leak. The first method used involves using a block tester to check for combustion gasses in the cooling system. The presence of these gasses in the cooling system usually indicates one of the three previously mentioned conditions. (Further diagnosis needed to determine root cause.) The second method discussed was the use of a cooling system pressure tester and a bore scope to check for internal coolant leaks into the cylinders. (Usually leaks can be seen originating from the head gasket inside the cylinder. Further testing and tear down needed to determine root cause.) The third method used in the video involves the use of a compression test. Compression tests allow you to see if there is a difference in compression from one cylinder to the next. Substantial differences in compression from cylinder to cylinder indicates an issue internal to the engine. (Further testing and tear down needed to determine the root cause of concern.) I also briefly explain the uses of a smoke machine in aiding in the diagnosis of the above conditions. I was able to obtain some pretty cool footage of smoke leaking from the smoke machine leaking into the cylinder using a bore scope camera. The fourth method shown in this video is using a cylinder leak down tool. This tool is great in aiding you to determine how much a particular cylinder is leaking and from where the cylinder is leaking. (Further testing and tear down needed to determine root cause.) Finally, after ample data has been obtained by performing above tests, tear down to point of failure is needed. I do tear the engine featured in the video down to point of failure and give a final diagnosis explaining the cause.

Note: It is recommended to perform as many tests as possible gathering as much information as possible about the condition of the engine and where the problem lies before tearing down to point of failure.

Note: This video mainly involves the diagnosis of either combustion gasses leaking into the cooling system from a cylinder into the cooling system or coolant leaking into the combustion chamber from the cooling system.

Note: Head gaskets and cylinder heads can leak externally. This video does not address these types of leaks. Head gaskets can also allow leaks between the oil system and the cooling system as well. This video does not explain this or show how to test for this.

DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Also, Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Use the information found in this video at your own risk.