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HEAD GASKET TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
There are times when the previous three tests cannot pinpoint for a certainty that the head gasket is blown, yet your car continues to overheat for no apparent reason. In a case like this, the only way to make sure that the head gasket is not blown (or not) is by doing a block test.
In a nutshell, this is how a block tester works:
- A blue liquid chemical, which is blue in color, is placed in the tester (see photo above).
- The tester assembly is then placed on the open radiator neck (you may have to drain some of the coolant in the radiator since this tool needs to ‘gulp’ some of the air inside the radiator).
- The rubber bellow is then squeezed to suck in the air up through the two fluid-filled chambers. As the air bubbles up through the fluid, it will cause a chemical reaction.
- If the blue chemical turns yellow (for gasoline engines), combustion gases are entering the radiator. This result confirms a head gasket failure, a cracked block, or a cracked cylinder head issue.
- If the blue chemical doesn't change color, you can conclude that you don't have a head gasket failure, a cracked block, or a cracked cylinder head issue.
You can buy one here:
More 2.4L Diagnostic Tutorials
There are several more ‘how to’ tutorials that I've written that are 2.4L Quad 4 specific, that may be of further help. You can find the ones that are located here, at this site, by going to the GM 2.4L Index Of Articles.
The following is a sample of the articles you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The MAP Sensor (GM 2.4L Quad 4).
- How To Test The Starter Motor (GM 2.4L Quad 4).
- How To Test The Fuel Injectors (GM 2.4L Quad 4).
- How To Test The Ignition Module & Crank Sensor (GM 2.4L) (at:easyautodiagnostics.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
