leaky headgasket?

[fufanu180]

Hey guys I can't seem to figure out why my car is so tempermental when it comes to the cooling system. I've been reading around and saw that some guys say if your headgasket leaks even the slightest bit, that it can cause excessive pressure in the cooling system causing the radiator cap to open prematurely which in turn releases coolant and causes the car to get even hotter.


When put fluid in the radiator and watch it flow, I can see very small, miniscule bubbles coming up. If indeed this is a small leak in the head gasket can I possibly put some sealer in or something of that nature?

I've already replaced the headgasket once due to overheating and the job was a pain in the ass. I'm hoping that I don't have to do it again.


Please, any info would help tremendously.


Thanks
-Andrew

[badbob2121]

have you checked your compression?

you could also rent a coolant system pressure tester and see if thats it..

the small bubbles could just be the in the coolant (bleeding) coming out

[fufanu180]

have you checked your compression?

you could also rent a coolant system pressure tester and see if thats it..

the small bubbles could just be the in the coolant (bleeding) coming out

I can definitely check both of those.

But if indeed it is some sort of leak in the coolant system, is there something that i can put in there to seal up the leak?

[fufanu180]

I'm thinking no?

[badbob2121]

well it depends where the leak is..

if its leaking from the headgasket....no

but i would check ^^^ and take it from there

if your compression is low/off more than 5psi in one or more cylinders than its your headgasket most likely

[fufanu180]

Did a compression test earlier and all cylinders are between 115 to 120.

Is that pretty normal?

[japslapsilvia]

a compression check will serve no purpose for what u are trying to find out....you will need to do a leak down test.

[badbob2121]

thats low compression, and low cylinder compression = fried rings most likely

my sr has 160psi across the board

[fufanu180]

a compression check will serve no purpose for what u are trying to find out....you will need to do a leak down test.

I see. Okay I'll try it out and see what the results are.

Would a coolant system test still be in order?

[japslapsilvia]

I see. Okay I'll try it out and see what the results are.

Would a coolant system test still be in order?

i wouldnt deem it necessary, i would just do the leak down. when u do it open the radiator cap if u hear air escaping, your H/G is leaking. Just make sure u are at TDC for whatever cylinder u are checking.

G/L

[badbob2121]

a coolant pressure test will see if your system holds pressure and if it doesnt it will help you find the leak without the distraction the engine running... i would do it, just for the peace of mind

[jdm213]

have you checked your compression?

you could also rent a coolant system pressure tester and see if thats it..

the small bubbles could just be the in the coolant (bleeding) coming out

nice 240 pic there its so gorgeous :bowdown::wavey:

[Mangudai]

:ghey:i wouldnt deem it necessary, i would just do the leak down. when u do it open the radiator cap if u hear air escaping, your H/G is leaking. Just make sure u are at TDC for whatever cylinder u are checking.

G/L

On the compression stroke OP.

[japslapsilvia]

:ghey:

On the compression stroke OP.


actually it doesnt matter compression stroke or power stroke b/c at TDC intake and exhaust valves are closed. unless of course u have some crazy degree'ing in the cams via cam gears.

[bc.]

i don't think a compression test is the right thing to do, when i checked mine for a suspected blown HG, it read 160psi, which is higher then I have had before. But it did help me when i could smell coolant come out of the pressure release valve on the tester.

[itwillboost]

If the headgasket is blown you should see it in the oil when you take off the valve cover. You have to really now the oil texture to know this though. I would do a leak down test. Also are you leaking outside the engine no correct ?

[95_S14]

There this shit called KW block seal you take your coolant out put this in for 45 min running then let itsit overnight with the spark plugs out it's a really cheap way to "fix" your headgasket til you have money to do it right And if that doesn't worm it has a 200% money back on it so it's worth a shot I know it's ghetto but if you need the car for work or school it's a way for you to use the car til you can fix it right