Signs of a blown head gasket?

roudyroy1

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Jan 10, 2013
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ontario GTA
I have been having some problems with my coolant blowing out the expansion tank. I replaced the cap and I think I still have the problem. This only leaves the head gasket?
 

Have you pressure tested the pressure cap yet? The expansion tank cap isn't meant to maintain pressure. For lack of a better term, the radiator cap above the brake disk is what maintains the cooling system pressure.
 
Yes I know that. I replaced the entirely so I will say it's good. If I were to pressure test the cooling system would that detect a bad head gasket.
 
Yes. You may also be able to see bubbles coming up inside the coolant reservoir with the cap off when the engines running.

The engine shakes way to much for me to do that lol. How long should I leave the system pressurized when testing it? 5 mins? An hour?
 
You should see a pressure drop relatively soon if there's a blown head gasket, I'd think you'd know within 5 minutes or less. You might have trouble finding a coolant pressure pump with the right fitting for the coolant tank though. If you're going to rent one from Autozone or Advance bring the cap with you. Any coolant in the exhaust, sweet smell, white smoke? Look at the top of the pistons and see if one looks washed and dry.
 


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