How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry)

TEST 3: Engine Compression Test

If your 2.0L Toyota Camry starts and runs, you can skip this test and go to: TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester).

In some cases, the head gasket fails at a point between two side-by-side cylinders. This type of failure allows the compression from one cylinder to escape into the other, and vice versa.

The result is that the engine essentially runs on just two cylinders. When you try to start it, the engine will crank but won't start.

Fortunately, this type of head gasket failure is easy to identify with an engine compression test.

NOTE: You can find the engine compression test explained in detail here: How To Test The Engine Compression (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).

Let's get started:

1. 1

   Disable the ignition system.

2. 2

   Remove the spark plugs.

3. 3

   Install the compression tester (hand tight only) on the first cylinder you're gonna' test.

4. 4

   Have a helper crank the engine while you observe the compression tester.

5. 5

   When the needle stops moving, have your helper stop cranking the engine.

6. 6

   Write down the compression readings.

7. 7

   Repeat on the next 3 cylinders.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: You got 2 side by side (adjacent) cylinders with 0 PSI. This confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that you do have a blown head gasket on your hands.

CASE 2: All cylinders had sufficient compression. This is the correct and expected test result.

If you still suspect that your vehicle has a blown head gasket, go to: TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester).

TEST 4: Using A Chemical Block Tester (Combustion Leak Tester)

The block test, using a combustion leak tester, is the go-to method for confirming a head gasket failure, especially when the other three tests don’t provide a clear answer.

The only requirement to perform this test (aside from the tester itself) is that the engine must be able to start and run.

This is how this test 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 shop for a block tester here:

Frequently Asked Questions

1.)  How can I tell if the cylinder head is cracked?

The cylinder head has to be removed and visually inspected. If the crack is wide enough, you'll be able to easily see it.

Sometimes, a visual inspection proves inconclusive, this is why it's important to let a machine shop pressure test it for you.

2.)  Do I need to resurface the cylinder head?

YES, you need to resurface the cylinder head! You should never reinstall the cylinder head or cylinder heads without first having a Machine Shop resurface the cylinders heads (particularly over an overheating condition).

Now, of course, if you (or the machine) have checked it with a straight-edge and there's no warpage, then and only then is the cylinder head not resurfaced.

More 2.0L Toyota Camry Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.0L Toyota Camry tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:

• 2.0L Toyota Camry Index of Articles

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

• TPS Idle Switch Multimeter Test w/ Automatic Transaxle (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The TPS w/ Automatic Transaxle (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The Engine Compression (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The MAF Sensor (1987-1991 2.0L Toyota Camry).