Cylinder Head Assembly: Testing and Inspection

A leaking engine cylinder head gasket usually results in loss of power, loss of coolant and engine misfiring.
An engine cylinder head gasket leak can be located between adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the adjacent water jacket.
- An engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adjacent cylinders is indicated by a loss of power and/or engine misfire.
- An engine cylinder head gasket leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water jacket is indicated by coolant foaming or overheating and loss oil coolant.

CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is leaking between adjacent cylinders; follow the procedures outlined 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. do not stand in a direct line with the fan. do not put your hands near the pulleys, belts or the fan. do not wear loose clothing.

Remove the radiator cap.
Start the engine and allow it to warm up until the engine thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
If bubbles are not visible, install a radiator pressure tester and pressurize the coolant system.
If a cylinder is leaking combustion pressure into the water jacket, the tester pointer will pulsate with every combustion stroke of the cylinder.