Testing For a Bad Head Gasket [Chemical Test Kit]
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- čas přidán 16. 09. 2023
- I've shown this before with some mistakes and this one is no different 🙄. Probably why I've been sitting on it for a few years 😉. But it's still a good on to learn from and also learn what not to do!
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Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I've shown this before with some mistakes and this one is no different. Probably why I've been sitting on it for a few years. But it's still a good on to learn from and also learn what not to do!
Looking for a chemical kit? Check out my Amazon Affiliate page
www.amazon.com/shop/scannerdanner
It's AWESOME SD😍
These chemical test kits can work if there's a large leak, but I can confirm that they aren't reliable on tiny leaks. I went through that years ago back in 2015 with a Civic that had enough of a head gasket leak to push coolant out of the overflow and maintain enough pressure on the system continuously that the coolant never returned to the radiator when the engine cooled off, but it didn't have any of the "normal" head gasket leak symptoms. Engine ran great, 210 PSI compression across all 4 cylinders, no bubbles in the radiator when doing a leak down test, no smoke from the exhaust, no coolant and oil mixing, etc. But sure enough, a new head gasket fixed it (common problem on the 1.7) and it's still doing great 8 years later. So while this is a cheap and easy test to try and a false positive is unlikely, don't rule out the possibility of a false negative.
Well said
Scannerdanner videos are PURE GOLD.
Your videos are pure pure. I absolutely love them, because you don't cheat. If you did a mistake you show us that.
Moshitoa 🇿🇦
Well said ..that's something I wanted to share with Dan.. I appreciate that he shows his mistakes...and corrects them..
I have used that tool a many of times and it shows no sign of head gasket failure even though coolant was going somewhere and it could not be found externally, I could take the spark plugs out and pressure test the system over a period of time and use a borescope and find coolant leaking into the cylinder. I purchased a gas analyzer just because of this. I work on flat rate so time is money and the risk of removing parts is avoided as well. The only time i have had it work is when all the signs of a failed HG are already there.
Why I've always loved the gas analyzer. I never, not once, missed an early stages failure with it. But good tips, thanks
I love watching these videos! I always learn something new every time!
👍 you're the man as always!
I used a kit from Amazon that didn't use any type of suction, only rising coolant pressure and it worked too. Thanks for sharing!
Dan the man.. I just thought I'd pay you a compliment.
Another excellent job of just sharpening one another.
And you do an excellent job at it.
Wow times have really changed from back in the days of encyclopedias.. back in the 80s when I was doing my best to mechanic my 67 Camaro. The knowledge that you share would have been so valuable then..
I have this same Lisle block test kit. For vacuum I usually just use my Mityvac vacuum pump. Hooks up quick and does the job. Thanks for the tips and teaching Paul!👍👍
Love the weather, honestly I'm in that part of the world where the heat is around for the most part of the year, so snowing is a blessing😍
Thanks for sharing SD, Love this one😍
Special Thanks to cameraman Caleb😎
Stay Blessed Guy's🙏🏻
I am used to the old style tester too. You need air/gases from the radiator. If the coolant level is too high, take a couple of inches out of the radiator...there are a few ways to do that. Make sure the coolant is flowing so you get coolant that is coming the head. If it is a small leak, it is more likely to show in the results. Glad it's fixed...
Thanks team Danner it's always great this kinds of videos
Brilliant video Paul, your videos are fascinating, I wish I could have seen your videos when I was younger, I know for sure i would have perused a career in automotive diagnostics. Much admiration ❤
Thank you so much my friend.
I feel your pain.. i used the same lisle kit and had the same problems with sucking up coolant.😢
Never saw that kit with a vacuum hose, only used the one with the squeeze bulb. Best one I ever had, I set the kit on the coolant bottle(hot bottle) and it turned yellow before I started the engine
Very instructive video thank danner, thanks from Algeria
We had a head gasket last year. The leak was so minor that it would run rough on startups and smooth out. We never block tested but I'm not sure that it would work, pressure test held 21 psi for well over 10 minutes but sure enough it was leaking coolant and had a slimy plug. Needless to say, we replaced the engine. Thanks for the video though! It's refreshing to see you mess up, lets us know you are legitimate as well as any potential issues we might have using the same test methods!
Enjoy learning from your videos. When the vacuum caused it to burp it made me think that there is air trapped in the system causing it to overheat. Not an expert but I don't think vacuum would have drawn liquid out but it would draw air out causing the burp?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I don't use a bulb or intake source just for the reasons you had with sucking the coolant in. I use a Mighty Vac so I can control the intake of vaccum. I imagine it was a non OE thermostat used. I see that alot on Hondas by DIYers
Great video
great video
Since I’m not a big fan of this test, I’d leave it as a last resort if I’m on the fence, since there are other ways of getting answers. In some cases, your nose can actually be the only diagnostic tool you need. Many of the bad head gaskets I’ve come across, I’ve paid attention to the smell of the coolant (or just sniffing at the filler, even if the coolant level is down). If you smell exhaust in the coolant/rad, that’s an indicator right there, that the head gasket is no good. Remember, the exhaust leaking into the cooling system hasn’t ran through the cat yet, so the smell should be pretty potent. You can use this fluid test kit if you want, but if the car you’re looking at is showing all the classic symptoms of a bad head gasket plus you can smell exhaust in the cooling system, to me personally there’s no reason to go any further. Another test I’ve seen done and have done myself, (with positive results every time) is apply air pressure to the cylinders (engine leakage test) and then watch the coolant level in the rad/pressure tank. If the coolant rises as pressure is applied, that proves the head gasket is leaking.
I've had many pass the smell test and the air psi test and still cause intermittent misfiring on specific cylinders. Confirmed by a gas analyzer was always my go to. This one is close, but not as good
your strong vacuum source creates such large pressure differential, it lift the coolant into tester, use hand vacuum pump and sucks longer time. Blue liquid is a litmus solution test, CO2 changes to carbonic acid and the ph of solution changes to yellow, acidic color.
That stupid truck noise though is a money maker. 😂 Though when it comes to the tool, we’re always learning.
I always pressure test the radiator cap . Since the radiator was changed , the tubes are probably not clogged . And I reverse flush the system , including the heater core . Many times a heater core is clogged . The radiator tubes usually clog in the center and are cold when blocked . Lucky it was only a defective thermostat .
Lucky for the customer and Pete!
Great video Paul! Anyone else miss cold weather?
Oh yes!
I had to lookup the weather in your area to make sure there wasn't a new ice age coming. 😅 Its still Summer it seems.
Damn, the snow season starts early in Pittsburgh! 😂
Thanks for the video, you can put your finger on one of the holes and control the amount of vacuum
Hindsight 😅 thanks!
Awesome
If thermostat possible problem first make sure there is temp on top and bottom hose and temp for fan sensor
Give me that Raodmaster any day. That "S" on the grill explains the problem
I’m back to comment again but I love to just watch these videos just because. Also any oil mix would indicate a leak and if I suspect it I would send some oil to black stone to check for coolant anyway. Oil pressure is higher than coolant pressure so the oil will find its was to a lower pressure and mix. Also I would have turned the AC on to force the cooling fan to kick on.
That's a good test too but many times in the early stages of failure there will be no coolant in the oil, or vice versa.
On some makes and models you have no rad cap so has to be done through the overflow on those models sure you know that though! Just something that wasn't mentioned!
I went thru 3 Beck & Arnley tstats from Amazon for my Hyundai and they all lasted 1 day. They all Left me stranded after every repair. This was just a few months ago. Pot boil tested all 3 were stuck.
Went thru rockauto and used Aisin all is good.
You don’t get what is advertised anymore I guess.
I like your vedios are great i learn alot
perfect.
I'm wondering if the cooling system is air locked and that's causing the overheating. One of our newer John Deere tractors requires the use of a Snap On coolant transfer tool that pulls vacuum on the system to refill and eliminate air pockets -
Same thing just happened to me with a brand new motorad thermo.. completely stuck out of the box just absurd.. seems to be the norm these days unfortunately
Paul - the possibility of the thermostat installed backwards ? Was one of my immediate thoughts as you were demonstrating the Co2 testing analysis - especially when the cooling fan was working ✌️
Not sure. But definitely possible to do on some designs!
I caught myself smelling maple syrup.... I'm glad when it's just the radiator.
When a head gasket fails only under load, pressure transducer on the radiator and cyl #1 sync.
Then give it some hard pulls.
Or the lower/upper intake manifold on a 3800. 12:30
I wonder if you remove the small hose that goes from the radiator cap port to the overflow bottle to allow some vacuum to escape and not allow the coolant to be sucked into the tool. Just a thought. Thanks so much Paul and Caleb for all your great videos.
That's what the small hole in the fitting was supposed to do, but I guess the vacuum source was too weak to use it? I don't remember. This was filmed like 3 years ago lol
You can put one flat ring on that adapter to regulate vaccum flow.
Or my finger, but I couldn't reach it 😉
I used the best block tester kit available, the one with the two chambers and squeeze ball, gave it ten rev cycles while squeezing, and the fluid was still blue, but with a slightly greener tint than the unused fluid. I don't know what to make of it. What's the best place to get a decent five gas analyzer for cheap? Since I'm not interested in all five gasses, and I'm only interested in detecting hydrocarbons, is there a one gas detector that will work? Like one of those cheap flammable gas detectors on Amazon?
In the UK, the gas-analyser emissions test is the central part of the annual mandatory vehicle roadworthiness check, for obvious reasons: it helps remove polluting vehicles from our roads. Vehicle emission control was the driving force behind the introduction of OBD decades ago and has become increasingly stringent over time as we have become aware of the dangers of excessive emissions. So how come Pennsylvania dispensed with such an (apparently) important independent test? Have other states done likewise? I don’t suppose California has. Is it the belief that OBD on modern vehicles is good enough to detect emissions problems? But that would let older and badly maintained vehicles slip through the net. Seems such a strange decision.
(I imagine the owners of the UK vehicle test stations would love to be able to be rid of their exhaust gas analysers for the fortune they would save in capital expenditure as well as the annual maintenance and calibration costs.)
Damn,that Pittsburg weather in September sucks
Haha it's an old video (never released) but old. And it's not snowing yet. 65 today
Is the thermostat backwards. LOL. I ve done that early in my career. Head check should be first test on any overheat vehicle. At Mazda I check freeze frame at least. As long as 250 and lower I proceed to repair. 300 gets dicey and I do a block test.
I've seen vid's on how to tell water in the oil (blown head gasket) by using a little oil out of the pan or dipstick and heat it up. If it boils when heated there is water in the oil pan.
I have seen where chemical tests have shown all good but has been proven wrong by the above method as per Matt "Schrodingers Box".
The chemical kit is not 100%, neither is the water in the oil test. Early stages of head gasket failure will pass that test too. The HC test using a gas analyzer is the only one I've been 100% with and no one had a gas analyzer anymore!
Seems to me that having a squeeze bulb to draw the fluid in is better than connecting to a vacuum source for a number of reasons. I have to admit that I've purchased some of those cheap Lisle tools myself over the years. Some are ok, and some seem to have been designed by engineers who dropped out of school too soon.
I can't believe how cold it is there, looks like some snow on the camera.
Here in southern Arizona it's still getting up close to 100 during the day, but of course that's normal for us. No, it's not climate change, it's been this way since 69 when I got here, and 100 years as the historical record shows before then. We get a little cooler and night during September but the days don't start cooling off until October.
Old video, never released. It's 65 here today 😉
Awesome video as always . How about showing a bad head gasket using a pressure pulse transducer on your scope with a sync. I know its not always accurate but its pretty neat to show another use case of the lab scope.
I've had poor test results from that. No reason to complicate it imo.
The only time I'd ever care to do that is if I wanted to know the exact cylinder that was leaking for a good visual inspection of that area once the head comes off. Other than that? No thanks! Too many variables!
@@ScannerDanner I agree. The scope is a great tool and pressure and pulse sensors/transducers have their place as well. But a scope is not the holy grail of automotive tools or diagnostic equipment, IMO. A lot of people are too young to know that we were using scopes 40 plus years ago. Anyone remember the sun or the bear scope, just to name a couple? Anyway, the best tool you can use for diagnostics or all around automotive repair is the one above your shoulders, it also comes in handy for getting through life in general! Peace and respect to all. 🙏🏼
Agree, its not my go to right off the bat. Was just suggesting to show how a differnt use case of the scope, I work on large industrial power gen equipment . Some diesel engines running natural gas. Some models have one head per cyl. In that case its proved very helpful in isolating the specific head.
@@jessemackenzie6516 And that's totally cool. We have to do whatever works for us in any given situation. I also wasn't trying to say anything negative about your comment either. You keep doing what works for you. 👍🏼
@@jessemackenzie6516 all good my friend! It is another tool in the diagnostic tool box for sure.
I use the vacuum adapter with the holes in it when I see consistent bubbles in the coolant or there is pressure in the system. I think the vacuum adapter with the holes in it allows pressure to escape. I know the radiator cap is used to pressurize the system in order to raise the boiling point. My question is this. Is it possible to get bubbles in the system from boiling a bit when the cap is off? I had an old Bronco that would constantly bubble and the test would always turn out negative for combustion gasses. It did it before and after changing the thermostat.Thanks for al the videos over the years. I've learned a lot.
100% yes (boiling comment)
I’ve bought two of those lisle testers and check ball stuck after the first use each time. Not a fan of those testers.
Use the holes in the adapter to regulate the vacuum. Use two fingers.
Can't reach the hole with it installed. Not with my finger anyway
"Or" possible, non-turning water pump impeller ?
Automatically like the video for algorithm
So you did a vacuum test on the engine too, no mercury gauge but close enough. Lol.
Nice video. I guess you could use a hand vacuum pump instead of hooking it up to intake manifold vacuum.
That's essentially what the bulb was. This was a cost cutting move by Lisle for sure 👎🏽
For sure
I dont even have a working one of those anymore 😉
Why was the water pump replaced? Was the shaft mechanical seal leaking? Mechanics love to change water pumps when a car overheats but really these should only be changed if they are leaking or the pump is obviously damaged or as per a scheduled maintenance event (timing belt replacement). What do you think.
It was leaking I believe. Don't remember, this was 3 years ago 😉
Could it be that the air was not fully bled from the systems after previous repairs?
Never mind, saw you said stuck thermostat.
I hope this is an old video. Im not ready for snow yet jaha. Still have to do the head gasket in my truck. 😂
Only 42 seconds into this video, I was reminded of how my car was overheating in freezing cold weather. Go figure.
the idea behind that hole is to put your finger over it when you need more suction. Its like a switch.
Can't reach it with your finger
How long do you let car run before you put the chemical test on the radiator flange?
Also, how long do you keep tester on?
I head gasket failure will show almost immediately. But when in doubt, I'll test it cold and again hot, after the thermostat opens.
Hey Paul, why on the neck of the radiator's cap was bubbling if there is not a head gasket issue??? I thought bubbles came from a combustion leak...... NIce video as always!
I didn't see bubbles, but you can get bubbles from a few things. 1. A newly filled system that not all of the air is out of and 2. When the engine is hot and above the boiling point of water
@@ScannerDanner Thank you Sir for your answer! It's clear now! Love your channel!
Put a finger on one of the bleed holes!
The bleed hole is for your thumb, kinda like a bong....
Hahaha indeed.
That working off a vacuum source is pretty much obsolete on late model vehicles that barely even have any vacuum lines at all.
Yeah, I agree, good luck finding a vacuum port on some of today's cars
I mean if theres bubbles coming out the rad what else could it be? The test seems a little redundant, maybe besides intake gasket 🤷♂️
There are many times you'll have no bubbles, no milkiness in the oil.
Also, you can't really check for bubbles on a overheating condition as boiling makes bubbles.
If it was as simple as checking for bubbles only, do you think they'd even make kits like this?
Is there a reason why the head gasket check didnt get done with a compression test?
Compression test? There was no compression test done. It is also not uncommon for a compression and leak down test to completely pass with a head gasket leak
Is there anything that would cause a false positive on the block test? I've seen vehicles with no symptoms of overheating or head gasket failure, even vehicles that just had the head gaskets replaced, and the block test tests positive.
False positive, no, false negative absolutely!
false positive maybe due to old solution absorbed so much atm CO2 already, just a little more sucking of radiator's regular air causes the tipping point? False negative may mean the HG leak is so small that tester will take a longer than normal time for the concentration of CO2 to tip the ph scale color change? Like u say, better have another test to substantiate, same reason a doctor tests ur urine and blood at the same time.@@ScannerDanner
06:54 close bleed hole with finger... ?
Couldn't reach it when installed. Maybe a pocket screwdriver?
Use a hand vacuum pump works better you don't have to worry about creating that strong of a vacuum
ive never seen anybody have trustworthy results with one of these kits. I was going to mention gas analyzers but you talked about that not really being an option anymore. So whats the answer? Pressure test with a rad pressure tester? Maybe in combo with a compression test?
(edit) I should have read thru the comments first-you talked about compression tests not really being reliable either.
It's really a combination of many different tests. This chemical test is the next best one to the gas analyzer.
Why does my Megan 1 device show vacuum -18? what's the problem?
?
You should do a compression test and also a Lead down test to find out the head gasket is leaking intake or exhaust . Could be a bad thermostat not opening ?
I've seen compression and leak down tests pass with a bad head gasket. Ones that will only leak with hundreds of psi in the cylinder from combustion.
Could be the temperature sensor gone bad...like what my car did and almost blew my motor...
This was an actual overheat and the cooling fans were running constantly with cold air coming out of the radiator. So definitely not the symptoms of a bad coolant sensor. In those cases the fan may not come on at all
damn its already snowing in Pittsburgh? lol
No, this is from a few years ago. Never released it. It's 65 today 🙂
@@ScannerDanner of course I was kidding! Great video!
The radiator cap is no good. You can see it's missing the center plunger that controls flow from the overflow tank to the radiator and back. That will cause it to spit fluid out and overheat.
This was a stuck closed brand new thermostat
@ScannerDanner That radiator cap is still bad regardless. It's missing the center plunger, that's why when you squeezed the upper radiator hose with the cap on it shot coolant into the overflow container.
@@justforkiks29 I'll be sure to tell Pete (3 years ago 😅)
Thanks!
Sir love from pakistan
Some time ignition advance reading in -negetive .why
Good question. Have you ever seen what these ignition timing maps look like? It's crazy. They are all over the place! Sometimes timing is late to help heat up the catalytic converter faster. I'm sure there are other reasons for it too that I cannot answer.
@@ScannerDanner I learn from your videos .now I have a job by your videos .but I miss your primem .
@@ScannerDanner my request to you for primem .plz
You can see the radiator cap is broken
Wasn't the issue though. Stuck closed new thermostat was the issue
no way its snowing in pennyville this early
It's not, old video 😉
😂😂I’ve pulled coolant into the tube even with the hand pump #novice #broke-chanic
Hi praise God ❤
Женя друг, это у них в сентябре такая погода уже?
No sir, older video. It was 65 degree F yesterday
The accuracy of this test can be misleading. I have seen in the past head gasket failure, but would only overheat with the cooling system under pressure. This test works well when head gasket has completely failed. Sometimes if the head gasket is slightly compromised, but has not failed completely this test can be inaccurate. The best test in my opinion would be to pressure test the cooling system, and check for leaks, and pressure loss. If no external leaks are found, then using a bore scope down the spark plug holes to check for coolant works well. Leak down testing can yield favorable results as well when trying to track down a bad head gasket.
Agree, this test isn't 100%. The one that is, that has never failed me is the HC test with a gas analyzer in the cooling system.
Fan comes on with ac. AC comes on with defrost.
I'm aware of that, but that's not what was happening here. Not to mention the AC compressor doesn't even come on in sub freezing temps
Carbon monoxide?
No, carbon dioxide. The fluid changes color in the presence of carbon dioxide. Even though engines do produce some carbon monoxide, most of what comes out the exhaust is carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Carbon dioxide.
That's why you can test the fluid just by using your breath to make it turn yellow, a good way to confirm the fluid is working properly to detect CO2.
Also by allowing the vacuum to draw fresh air back through the fluid, the fluid can be reset/returned back to blue, and then it's ready to be reused👍
Carbon dioxide. Did you see me test it with my breath?
I have experienced false negatives and false positives with these kits through the years. We no longer use them.
How did you get a false positive? Old fluid?
I always test the fluid first with my breath.
False negative for sure. But I've never seen a False positive. Thanks! Any additional info you can share would be great.
Ooops, I shoulda watched to the end, My bad, sorry.
Squeeze ball any day. XD
Never was a big fan of those chemical block testers. Not 100% reliable for testing a blown head gasket. Those things work only if the combustion gsses get into the cooling system which doesn't happen every time. A lot of times the blown head gasket will at as a one way check valve allowing coolant to be sucked into combustion chamber to be burt off but not allow gases into the cooling system.
I've not seen that. At some point, combustion gases have to be getting into the cooling system. But I agree on the false negatives at times
It didn't burp your just not doing it correctly 😂
Fluid goes bad after opened for a year or so.