Combustion Leak Detector

[oldtimehockey]

Has anybody tried those combustion leak detectors that use blue colored fluid in a tube that changes color to yellow if combustion gases are present? One end of the tube has a cone shaped fitting that goes in the radiator neck. Do these things work well? I see that Lisle makes a version. I've had pretty good luck with Lisle tools. If there is a better tool, please let me know. Thank you for your help.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the uview version that has two chambers instead of lisle's one chamber, less chance of giving a false reading if the first chamber gets some fluid in it by accident.

From what I understand they are pretty much the standard test for head gaskets. There are other tests but this is the quick and dirty.

 

[oldtimehockey]

Thank you very much, Signcrafter...You've been very helpful.

 

[MLB0611]

Keep in mind these are not full proof, they can give a you a good "reading" on a car with a blown HG, though I have never seen these show a blown HG and it not be blown, so it is only so good. For example we had a GM 4.3 with a blown HG without turning the fluid yellow, but it still had a leak.

 

[woodstockva]

I use the one from NAPA....very similar to the Lisle version, however instead of hooking a vacuum line up the engine to create suction, it comes with a rubber bladder that you squeeze repeatedly.

They also carry the test fluid (extra bottles) for fairly cheap. The kit itself comes with one bottle.

My complaint with the bottle of fluid is that the lid does not seal well & fluid will leak out if tipped over, and also fumes in the garage will get inside the bottle and ruin the fluid by changing the blue to a yellow just sitting on the shelf. To prevent this, I took a thin piece of plastic bag (heavy duty 3-5 mil) and put it over the top & then screw the lid on...it creates a gasket & you wont waste fluid sitting on the shelf.

*** Also, I had a ford ranger that I suspected the head gasket was bad on. However, letting it idle to operating temp would not cause the fluid to change colors with this kit.....no exhaust gases were entering the cooling system at low RPMS. I had to drive around a 2 mile loop at 3,000+ rpms before the gases were present. So, just because the car is heated up doesnt mean this kit works.....you may need to "run it" first, or you will miss the diagnosis. ***

Here is the link to the kit ($34.99) --> http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ock-Test-Tools-Inc-/_/R-BK_7001006_0006398563

Here is the link to replacement fluid ($6.44) --> http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ock-Test-Tools-Inc-/_/R-BK_7001366_0361073539

 

[signcrafter]

Keep in mind these are not full proof, they can give a you a good "reading" on a car with a blown HG, though I have never seen these show a blown HG and it not be blown, so it is only so good. For example we had a GM 4.3 with a blown HG without turning the fluid yellow, but it still had a leak.

In times like this when they pass the combustion leak test how do you find out it's a blown HG?

 

[oldtimehockey]

Very helpful info...thank you all.

My truck has a V8...guess I won't know which head gasket is bad using these testers (or maybe both gaskets have crapped out)...yikes.

 

[MLB0611]

Very helpful info...thank you all.

My truck has a V8...guess I won't know which head gasket is bad using these testers (or maybe both gaskets have crapped out)...yikes.

Even if only 1 bank is leaking, I always do both banks as if one is leaking the other is soon to follow

 

[MLB0611]

In times like this when they pass the combustion leak test how do you find out it's a blown HG?

On the one I posted about it was easy to find it leaked externally, so you could see it, on others you can pull plugs and pressurize the cooling system and let it sit over night and look for coolant in the cylinders. Also with a borescope you can see were the pistons have been steam cleaned by the coolant.

On the newer systems with the pressurize overflow tank, aka expansion tank, they often times will not have enough combustion gasses to turn the fluid colors

Of course right after I type this I just did one with an expansion tank and it did work

 

[oldtimehockey]

How is someone able to test each bank of a V8 if the cone ended tool is in the radiator neck?

 

[davesnothere]

How is someone able to test each bank of a V8 if the cone ended tool is in the radiator neck?

you dont.
its irrelevant.
do both head gaskets.

 

[dankicksass]

I've used the Uview kit, it works great. I highly recommend it.