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TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)
There are times that the only way to confirm a blown head gasket, on your 1.6L Mazda Protegé, is by doing a block test.
To be a bit more specific, in some cases TEST 1, TEST 2, and TEST 3 can not pinpoint a blown head gasket condition, even though the head gasket is blown and behind the over-heating problem. This is when the block test comes in handy.
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.
Where can you get the chemical and block tester? At your local auto parts store or here:
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
