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Guest · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 9:29 am Post subject: Some engine problem

How can I tell if the head gasket is leaking coolant into the cylinder. On one spark plug there was tiny white deposites on the spark plug electrodes.

Matt Stolton · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 2:26 pm Post subject: Head Gasket Problems

If coolant is getting into the burn mixture, you will expect to see steamy exhaust fumes. Also the coolant system can become pressurized with exhaust gases and could be visibly bubbling with the engine on, so you could here a big pressure release if you release the coolant reservoir cap. Be careful as the possible extra temperature and pressure could force fluid out everywhere.

The fluid itself could well have an oil film on it from oil leaking from the gasket into the coolant. Similarly, you could get coolant in the oil, which is very bad for the bearings.

This tends to be visible as a mayonaise in the oil filler cap tube, although short journeys and low use can also generate the mayonaise.

Worst ways a compression test could show up the problem. The actual values aren't too important, it is more the differences that are important. If your suspect pot is significantly lower than the other three, it would confirm your fears.
_________________
Regards

Matt

Ex Alfa 33 'GTA' (P4 with Knobs On)
Now cruising in a 166 3.2 Ti!!