Cylinder Head Assembly: Testing and Inspection

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET

A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between adjacent cylinders, between a cylinder and the adjacent water jacket or from an oil passage to the exterior of the engine.


Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket leaking between adjacent cylinders are:

- Loss of engine power
- Engine misfiring
- Poor fuel economy

Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water jacket are:

- Engine overheating
- Loss of coolant
- Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from exhaust
- Coolant foaming

CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST


To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the procedures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test. An engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adjacent cylinders will result in approximately a 50-70% reduction in compression pressure.


CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST


WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRESSURE CAP REMOVED.

VISUAL TEST METHOD


With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until thermostat opens.


If a large combustion/compression pressure leak exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.


COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD


WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRESSURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).

Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure leak is evident.


CHEMICAL TEST METHOD


Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also be checked by using combustion leak tester C-3685-A or equivalent. Perform test following the procedures supplied with the tool kit.